Despite efforts by residents and authorities, at least one street gang member told Vukani that too much blood had already been spilt for the fighting to stop in Gugulethu NY 111 and New Rest.
The street gangs have become a menace to the community who made a desperate plea to the authorities for help.
MEC for Community Safety ,Dan Plato, met with residents two weeks ago to hear about the threat they face from the gangs. While some parents were blamed for not taking responsibility for their children, residents were also worried that the fighting would lead to the deaths of more young men. Efforts by community members to mediate between the gangs and end the fighting have not been successful so far but many of the elders have pledged to continue trying.In the wake of the renewed interventions and efforts to stop the war, Vukani asked a member of one gang in NY 111 when the fighting was going to stop.
But the teenager was adamant that it would continue. Asked about the reason for the fighting, he said he does not know and he does not know whether there could be a solution. “Efforts were made before. There was a time that people brought us together but that has not helped. I see they are still trying but I must tell you we will continue with the fight. We lost so many of our brothers in the fight. It cannot stop now,” he told Vukani.
Sitting with his friends, some of whom said they are interested in the peace talks, the gang member admitted that they have been involved in countless other crimes. “We are not only involved in gang fights, we also rob people. There is more that we do. I take it as part of our lives,” he said with a smile. He said he was prepared to suffer the consequences of the conflict. “I will also die when my day comes. For as long as I am still alive, I do what I have to do. There will never be peace here. I truly appreciate what many people are doing, trying to bring about peace but as I have told you, too much blood has been spilt,” he said.
Residents of the area have called for a need to build peace among the fighting gangs. Xola Nofemele said the fights have been happening for the last three years. He was concerned that more boys were joining the fight. “These young boys fight with pangas, glass bottles and bricks in front of young children during daylight, causing destruction to residents’ properties and cars passing by. We as the community have tried to engage these young boys by convening meetings with them to stop fighting among each other. They do really stop but pause for a month and start again. That is why we have called the MEC Dan Plato to intervene by speaking to them and provide his office’s services to them to choose the career path that they want to pursue for their future growth,” he said.
Asked about those who still vow to fight, Mr Nofemele said the residents won’t tire of trying to help these young boys.
He said they believe the boys are the future leaders and this country needs every single one of them.
Mr Nofemele and a group of faith leaders were also planning to meet the fighting groups soon.
Gugulethu Neighbourhood Watch head of safety, Shadow Mdlangase said he also personally met both sides but it was not easy to resolve the issue.
He said at some point they were all willing to sit down and talk but the involvement of some parents ruined the attempt .
“But I have not given up. I am working on a peace mission. It is not easy but on the other side it is easy if we stand united as parents,” he said.
“The MEC for Community Safety Dan Plato also visited the area on Tuesday July 17 and promised to meet with the gangs.”