When it comes to ‘light in this darkness’: communities push back against cape town gang culture, in Cape Town, communities are rallying against the pervasive gang culture that has devastated families and neighborhoods. The tragic story of Deniël de Bruyn, who was shot in a case of mistaken identity in 2016, highlights the dire situation many residents face. De Bruyn's cousin, Lindy Jacobs, is now raising her grandson Noah after losing her son Zunadin to gang violence in 2020. With over 1,037 gang-related murders recorded in the Western Cape last year alone, community activists are determined to light a path forward.
Understanding ‘Light In This Darkness’: Communities Push Back Against Cape Town Gang Culture
Deniël de Bruyn moved to Cape Town in 2015, seeking a fresh start and support from relatives to combat his drug problem. Tragically, within nine months, he was shot dead in Wesbank. His cousin Lindy Jacobs reflected on the impact of that day, stating, "My son's life was never, never ever the same again." Zunadin, then just 12 years old, witnessed the horrific event, and Jacobs later faced the unimaginable when gangsters attempted to kill him in 2018. After reporting this to the police, Zunadin himself was murdered just two months later. Now, Jacobs is raising her grandson Noah, another victim of the cycle of violence. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Jacobs' heartache didn't lead her to a place of vengeance. Instead, after the man accused of killing Zunadin was killed by a rival gang, she found compassion: "I said to myself, 'He is also somebody's child.'" Focusing on community upliftment, Jacobs runs home gardening workshops and football training sessions for Children. She leads Balls Not Guns, a collective of women volunteers from the Cape Flats, emphasizing the importance of providing safe, positive spaces for youth. "I always remember light, light, light in this darkness," she said. "Because if there's nobody that is trying to light, what is going to happen with our youth?"
Gang Violence on the Rise
The scope of gang violence in Cape Town is staggering, with police data revealing more than 1,037 gang-related murders in the Western Cape last year-a 16% increase from 2024. The fragmentation of gangs has intensified conflicts over drug territories and extortion, leaving ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire. In response to this escalating crisis, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced military deployment to combat gang activities during his state of the nation address on February 12. However, community members express skepticism about the efficacy of military intervention, citing past experiences where the army's presence only temporarily subdued gang activities.
"They're going to instil fear, it's going to happen for a short while.. and then what?" questioned Gloria Veale, an activist involved with Balls Not Guns. Despite her concerns, acting police minister Firoz Cachalia acknowledged the necessity of military involvement, stating, "This is not a magic bullet.. What these communities need.. is development."
The Roots of Gang Culture
The deep-seated issues fueling gang culture in Cape Town can be traced back to apartheid-era policies that forcibly relocated approximately 150,000 people to the Cape Flats. This historical trauma created a landscape marked by spatial inequalities, high unemployment rates, and congested communities. Ben de Vos, a criminologist running an NGO in Mitchells Plain, highlighted the drug economy as an alternative to the lack of legitimate job opportunities, especially for non-white South Africans, who experience the highest rates of unemployment in the region.
As gangs increasingly recruit young children, community leaders express alarm over the lack of government intervention strategies to support at-risk youth. Martin Makasi, chair of the Nyanga community police forum, emphasized the urgent need for a youth intervention strategy. Meanwhile, Irvin Kinnes, a criminology associate professor, pointed out that corruption within the police and government exacerbates the violence on the Cape Flats, calling it a symptom of broader systemic issues.
Community Resilience Amid Crisis
In Hanover Park, another suburb struggling with gang violence, residents lined up for basic necessities, reflecting the dire conditions many face. Craven Engel, who leads the anti-gang organization CeaseFire, reported a worrying trend of gang splintering, resulting in new entities like the Ghetto Kids and Young Gifted Boys. This fragmentation contributes to ongoing turf wars that threaten community safety.
Despite the challenges, local activists like Jacobs and Engel are committed to fostering resilience within their communities. They recognize that while the fight against gang culture is daunting, hope and determination can pave the way for change. As Cape Town grapples with its violent legacy, these grassroots initiatives may prove critical in reclaiming neighborhoods and empowering youth.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.