Crime in SA | Gangs and gun violence rising in Cape Town

CAPE TOWN - Western Cape law enforcement authorities are on high alert following a rise in gang activity and gun violence in recent weeks, especially on the Cape Flats.

It seems the more police seize guns, the more illegal firearms end up in the hands of gangsters.

For the first three months of this year, more than 500 illegal guns were confiscated in volatile areas and those in possession of them were arrested.

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The SAPS and the City of Cape Town are working together to turn the tide.

Cape Town Safety And Security MMC JP Smith says the only way to deal with ongoing gang violence is through crime intelligence and investigation.

“It is frustrating to us that crime intelligence and investigation and the specialised units and the NPA and that whole conviction chain does not impact on this," he said.

"We are still seeing conviction rates below two percent and as long as that is the case, these communities will not know peace.”

READ: Firearm law expert blames police for high number of gun crimes

Western Cape Police Commissioner Thembisile Patekile admits the police can’t win this war alone.

He’s welcomed assistance from the City of Cape Town, saying they are already reaping the benefits of sharing resources, including the use of the city’s CCTV cameras.

While police confiscate illegal guns every single day, he says firearms are brought in from other provinces, other countries or have been stolen.

* eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.