South Africa: Homes targeted in suspected gang attacks in Cape Town Aug. 29 /update 1

Event

A home in Cape Town’s Lentegeur area was targeted in a petrol bomb attack on the night (local time) of Wednesday, August 29. According to police officials, the incident appears to be related to an ongoing inter-gang conflict in the city. Suspected gang members also shot at another house in Lentegeur on Wednesday night. No injuries were reported in either attack. Following the incidents, members of the Lentegeur Community Policing Forum (CPF) called for a candle light vigil against gang violence to be held on Eisleben Drive on the evening of Friday, August 31. The street separates the territory between two rival gangs that are suspected of being responsible for recent violence in the area.

Context

Inter-gang violence remains a significant security risk in Cape Town. On Monday, August 27, the city's Safety and Security Directorate released its annual report on crime for the 2017/2018 fiscal year. According to the report, there has been a 19 percent increase in gang activity-related arrests and a 39 percent rise in the number of firearms recovered during targeted operations.

A demonstration against recent gang violence was also held in Cape Town's Bonteheuwel area on August 29. Protesters blocked several major roads and where eventually dispersed by police officers firing tear gas. The rally was organized after a minibus was shot by suspected gang members on August 25. One person was killed in the shooting.

Advice

Individuals in Cape Town are advised to remain vigilant (e.g. maintain a low profile, be particularly vigilant at night, be aware that criminals may be armed, etc.) and to report suspicious behavior to the relevant authorities. Do not attempt to resist would-be attackers or thieves; report attacks or robberies to the police.