Plastic view residents living in fear of gangs

Criminal gangs that recruit young children “call the shots” in the Plastic View informal settlement as residents live in fear each day.

This was according to CPF chairperson Benjamin Sithole, who shared the horrifying ordeals that leave families living in fear of groups that terrorise them.
He said the informal settlement was riddled with violent crimes perpetrated by gangs.

“These gangs are mostly involved in robberies and they recruit young children in the area,” he said.

“We have an influx of many young people who come from foreign countries that form part of these gangs
“We live in so much fear because they are armed.”

Two weeks ago, tensions brewed at the informal settlement after a man in his mid-20s was stabbed during a fight.
The alleged perpetrators were allegedly hidden at a nearby church by the police.

“Members of the community were angry that police were protecting these men instead of taking them to the police station,” he said.
“They started blocking roads leading out to the church and other routes. They broke bottles and used rocks. This is a symptom of not getting adequate policing.”
“Residents are tired of crime at the informal settlement.”

Sithole said residents often played an active role in reporting crime, but police were not meeting them halfway.

He said many times when members of the community apprehend criminals, police would either not show up or release them on the very same day.
“These same people come back to terrorize us.”

A week before, a group of men believed to be part of a gang terrorising residents, stormed into a house in what seemed like a robbery, shooting and killing a man.

Weeks later, another group of armed men was terrorizing people at a local shebeen and a man who allegedly had bullets on him was apprehended by members of the community.
“The community from time to time take matters into their own hands because we have no law enforcement to strongly depend on,” he said

“The man was beaten up by the community and only then did the police arrive. He was taken to hospital by the police and days later when we went to inquire about the case, we found the man sitting outside the police station eating chips.”

Other crimes such as the illegal sale of asylum documents, prostitution as well as gambling were also a problem.

“There is a person who prints and sells these asylum documents and they range between R180-R300,” said a woman who asked to remain anonymous for fear of victimization.

“Anyone can get this document which might allow them better movement in the country.”

Sithole said the CPF has reported these and other crimes, which often left them victims of targets by these gangs and other criminals.

In one incident, two CPF members were attacked with a pick-axe while trying to resolve a domestic dispute.

ALSO READ: Man stabbed during fight over phone in Plastic View

“They pointed guns at us and we threatened, and told to watch our backs.

“I am also scared for my life, but I will not be silenced for standing for what is right.”

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Duane Lightfoot said the person who was apprehended by the community members for allegedly stabbing another for a phone could not be linked to the crime.
Lightfoot said they have in the past successfully arrested criminals that were pointed out by the community; however, some of the people could not be linked to the crimes they have been accused of and would be released again.

He said police were not aware of any gang-related violence but often dealt with crimes such as assault.
“Crimes like murder and rape have also occasionally been reported in the past,” he said.
“The police station regularly forms part of and makes use of other roleplayers such as the Moreleta church during projects like the food drives held during the Covid 19 lockdown where we were key in ensuring the safety of all participants involved.

“We also frequently engage with other partners like NGOs and the Department of Social Development to address relevant problems in the area.”
He said four people have been arrested the past month, two for murder and two for assault.

Lightfoot said the informal settlement has in the past proven to be a “very challenging” area to be policed. One of the challenges the police faced was the rapid population growth.

“Infrastructure is a far cry from perfect and the roads are practically impossible to be used for normal patrol duties by the police,” he said.

“Floodlights in the streets are mostly out of order, which makes it very difficult to observe crime at night time. For the police and residents alike.”

He said residents’ hostility also made it difficult for police to do their job.

Early this year, a police officer sustained serious injuries to the head when rocks were thrown at him and his colleagues at the informal settlement.
“Excessive drinking at the many illegal shebeens also cause a lot of problems concerning family violence,” he said

“The station commander of Garsfontein, Colonel Kervin Solomons, is taking the situation in the area very seriously. He has already contacted one of the ward council members to assist in getting the floodlights fixed.”

Other internal plans are also on the table to ensure improved police action for the residents.

Crime expert from the Institute for Security Studies, Dr Johan Burger, said research showed a clear link between high levels of unemployment, subsequent rising levels of poverty and crime.
“Unfortunately, it is the township areas and in particular our informal settlements that are worst affected by high levels of unemployment and poverty,” he said.

“Crime is a complex phenomenon but apart from greed there is also a clear connection between property-related crime and unemployment/poverty because of desperation and survival.”

Burger said in situations such as this there was also an increase in interpersonal violence such as assault, murder, sexual and domestic violence, because of arguments that result from these conditions.

He said frustration developed because people felt that nothing was done to change and improve their lives.

“This in turn also leads to aggression and violence. On top of it, many of those affected by these conditions turn to substance abuse.”

“Drugs and alcohol become a business all on its own and leads to the formation of gangs that thrives on the existing misery in their communities.”

Burger said the police have a role to play with more intelligent policing practices, but they could not solve the socioeconomic conditions “that underlie so many of our crime problems”.

He added that corruption very often aggravated the situation and is something that needed far more attention than the current anti-corruption capacity of the SAPS allows for.

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