Manenberg – A fragile peace has been shattered in Manenberg as a renewed gang war between the Clever Kidz and Hard Livings gangs has unleashed a wave of violence across the Cape Flats suburb, leaving a trail of shootings, injuries, and at least one murder. The resurgence of hostilities has sparked fear and uncertainty amongst residents, who now find themselves caught in the crossfire of a brutal turf war.
The weekend's violence began with what appears to be an unprovoked attack on members of the Hard Livings gang. According to a source within the community, three Hard Livings members were ambushed on Friday in a brazen act of aggression. "What we have established is that the Clever Kidz came and shot three HLs seemingly for no reason as far as the community knew it was peace between the two gangs," the source revealed.
Acting station commander Colonel Harry Brickles confirmed the incident, stating that shots rang out just after midnight on Friday in Renoster Road, resulting in three males being transported to hospital with various injuries. The attack marked a bloody start to a weekend that would see further escalation of violence and a disturbing breakdown of law and order.
The following day, crimefighters were confronted with an even more alarming situation when community members launched an attack on Metro Police officers who had apprehended a suspected gunman. The incident unfolded after another Hard Livings gang member was shot while crossing an open field to purchase beer.
Video footage captured from a nearby flat shows the 30-year-old victim desperately trying to escape as gunshots ring out, ultimately striking him in the head. Despite the severity of his injuries, Brickles confirmed that the man survived the attack. "At 9.40am on Saturday a 30-year-old male was injured in a gang shooting," Brickles stated. "It is alleged that he was crossing an open field on the corner of Thames and Sabie Road came under gunfire as he was walking."
Brickles explained that the victim was "an alleged gang member crossing between territories when he came under fire. He was struck in the left side of his head, by unknown assailants. He was taken to Heideveld Emergency centre for treatment. A case of attempted murder has been opened for investigation."
The situation took a dramatic turn when Metro Police officers, responding to the shooting, managed to apprehend the alleged gunman. However, as they attempted to take him into custody, they were met with fierce resistance from residents who attacked the officers and freed the suspect.
Metro Police spokesperson, Ruth Solomons, confirmed the incident, saying: "On Saturday, Metro Police officers on patrol in Manenberg responded to a ShotSpotter alert. At Hilda Court, officers conducted stop and searches, and found an adult male in possession of a 9mm pistol with an empty magazine. When they tried to arrest him, he became riotous and with assistance from the members of the public, he managed to escape. Officers booked in the firearm as evidence at Manenberg SAPS."
The brazen attack on law enforcement officials highlights the deep-seated mistrust and animosity that exists between some members of the Manenberg community and the authorities. It also underscores the challenges faced by police in maintaining law and order in an environment where gang violence is rampant and community support for law enforcement is limited.
The Hard Livings gang retaliated hours later, killing an alleged leader of the Clever Kidz gang in a hail of bullets. Brickles reported that the 51-year-old victim "was fatally wounded in a gang-related shooting. According to eye witnesses, he was standing at the entrance of his home when he came under attack. Several shots rang out and when family members came out they found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and head. No arrests have been made." The murder is a clear indication of the escalating tensions between the two gangs and the potential for further bloodshed.
Vanessa Adriaanse of the Community Policing Forum expressed her deep concern over the escalating violence and the potential for an all-out gang war. "The community is very afraid that this will cause another gang war," Adriaanse said. "What is disturbing is those who decided it is OK to attack the law enforcement and free one of the shooters."
Adriaanse also criticised the politicisation of crime-fighting efforts, stating: "Just because JP [Smith] is DA and the police minister is ANC it does not mean the community must oppose every crime fighting initiative." Her comments highlight the complex political dynamics that often undermine efforts to address crime and violence in South African communities.
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