Police and Community Unite to End Stoning Violence.
Reporter – George April
Cape Flats:- The Manenberg police have met with young stone-throwers, known locally as klipgooiers.
Also to talk to their parents, in an effort to stop the growing wave of violent stoning incidents, that have been terrorising the community.
This follows a recent attack on a local shop, which police believe is part of a troubling trend where youths, influenced by gangs, use stones as weapons in running street battles.
Manenberg Station Commander, Brigadier Jayce Naidoo, said several children were brought to the station on Wednesday, 15 October, by frustrated parents who have had enough of the chaos.
“Stone-throwing has become the new sporadic gunfire,” said Naidoo. “Only this time it’s more targeted, and it’s our youth who are being used and harmed. It’s criminal to set up vulnerable young people to fight territorial battles. SAPS believes some adults and gangs are behind this behaviour, pushing children into violence.”
Residents say the situation has reached breaking point. A mother of five from Francesca Court told CCN that children are being groomed by gangsters.
“They tell them if they keep throwing stones, they’ll become gangsters,” she said. “But it’s not brave or cool, it’s dangerous. Innocent children get hurt, and even killed.”
In a tragic case, Tasleema Erasmus, a local mother, died after stepping in to stop a group of children from throwing stones in Sabie Close.
Parents and residents have named two of the rival groups involved, the Sabie Kidz and the Renoster Kidz, who have turned their streets into battlegrounds.
Manenberg CPF Chairperson Vanessa Adrianse condemned the ongoing vandalism and violence.
“A lot of homes have been damaged, including those of elderly residents who rely on their pensions. It’s heartbreaking to see how this violence destroys our community,” she said.
Police say sector managers have been assigned to tackle the root causes of the violence through positive interventions, including street soccer games and youth development talks.
“We’re not just making arrests,” Naidoo added. “We’re also rebuilding trust and giving these young people something better to believe in.”
Residents who wish to assist or support SAPS’ community programs can contact Colonel Harry Brickles on 082 411 3149.
