A surge in gun violence in Alexandra has left residents in fear, and local leaders calling for unity, and co-operation to tackle it.

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Ward 108 councillor Deborah Francisco is urging Alexandra residents to come together and confront the gun violence crisis head-on. Her call comes after a series of violent incidents that have shaken the community, claiming lives and sowing fear across multiple wards. “Sometimes wards create problems for us, because they divide us as the community of Alexandra. There comes a time when we must unite and just fight crime because you don’t know who will die [next], when you say you don’t care.”

Her words cut deep, especially since gun violence in the area has shown no regard for age, status, or role. Taxi operators, community safety officials, business owners, and ordinary residents have all been affected.

Also read: Fear grips 21st Ave residents amid gun violence

Francisco warned that divisions within the community, especially when some residents choose not to participate in crime prevention efforts, are weakening Alexandra’s ability to respond. “It is best when we work together. We used to walk freely from 1st to 22nd Avenue. Now we’re afraid.”

Her appeal builds on a similar call from Colonel Jerry Phaswana, acting station commander at Alexandra Police Station, who has urged residents to break their silence and report known criminals hiding in plain sight. “The community knows what is happening. Not all, but some members know where these guns are. If they have information, they should bring it.”

Phaswana acknowledged the trust deficit between police and residents, but he stressed that rebuilding that trust is essential if Alexandra is to reclaim its streets.

Both Francisco and Phaswana emphasised that the fight against crime requires a united front of residents, patrollers, and community leaders.

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