Western Cape police are keeping a close eye on the Cape Flats, as gang violence in the area escalates. Innocent civilians, including children, have become victims of stray bullets. Police find they too have become targets of the warfare.
CAPE TOWN - Gang warfare in the Cape Flats is escalating.
There have been daily shoot-outs between rival gangs this past week, with gangsters brazenly exchanging gunfire in broad daylight.
The latest incident involves a shooting outside a community hall and clinic.
Innocent civilians, including children, have become victims of stray bullets.
And as the violence intensifies, school have remained closed, and police themselves find they have become targets.
Police believe the worsening violence could be a result of the impending parole of former &39;Hard Livings&39; leader, Rashied Staggie.
SAPS and Metro Police&39;s anti-gang unit are keeping a closer eye on things, and in a joint operation, are conducting night patrols.
City officials lay the blame at the foot of what they deem an inadequate criminal justice system, saying there seems to be no deterrent to the crimes.
They decry the fact that far too many gangsters evade arrest, or that charges apparently get dropped once the case reaches court.
The SAPS and Metro police, however, are not dissuaded, and are determined to fight the war until calm returns to the area.
