*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

*Thursday, 19 March 2026*

*Elsies River Safety Initiative, together with Inspire Network, demands immediate action and calls on our community to mobilise and take back our streets*

The Elsies River Safety Initiative, together with the Inspire Network, is extremely concerned that the senseless killing of young people in our community is continuing unabated. The recent spate of violence, including a mass shooting that claimed the lives of schoolchildren and adults, has brought the community to its knees. We are witnessing an alarming increase in brutal executions, with our youth being shot dead in the streets as if they were animals at a slaughterhouse.

These victims are the sons and daughters of parents who struggle to raise their children under difficult circumstances, yet they are losing them despite their best efforts. The pain and trauma being inflicted on our families are unbearable. As the Elsies River Safety Initiative and the Inspire Network, we extend our most sincere condolences to all bereaved families, and we pray for strength and perseverance during this difficult time.

As custodians of our community’s safety, we have to ask: what can be done to stop the carnage?

The Elsies River Police Station is currently understaffed and under-resourced. Of particular concern is that, for a number of years now, the station has not had a permanent Station Commander, which has significantly impacted stability, accountability, and effective leadership. Our most urgent priority is that our local SAPS must be adequately and appropriately staffed, resourced, and led.

Furthermore, we call on all law enforcement agencies, including SAPS, Metro Police, and other provincial bodies, to coordinate their efforts and ensure a visible, sustained, and effective presence in our community. The current fragmented and disproportionate deployment of resources is failing our people.

Our courts and correctional services are also failing us because, despite the best efforts of our police and community to apprehend criminals, many are released on bail or parole without adequate consideration of the risks posed to our communities.

The proliferation of firearms is unprecedented, with our areas often resembling a war zone. Young people are growing up surrounded by this violence, with devastating consequences. Often, for no apparent reason other than petty disputes over drug turf and extortion territories, lives are lost. Each death fuels retaliatory attacks, perpetuating a relentless cycle of violence.

What is happening on the Cape Flats on a daily basis resembles a low-intensity civil war, with armed groups engaging in urban conflict. As community activists and peace workers, we appeal for this senseless violence to stop. We call on faith-based leaders—priests, imams, and pastors—to intervene and assist in brokering a ceasefire among the warring parties.

However, we cannot rely on authorities alone. It is time for the community to rise. The Elsies River Safety Initiative and the Inspire Network call for a mass community meeting to mobilise every resident, every parent, every business owner, and every stakeholder. We must unite to take back our streets from the criminals who have terrorised us for far too long. We cannot continue to live in fear. We cannot continue to count bodies.

Our call is for peace and for decisive action to establish it. For peace to become a reality, all role players and stakeholders must work towards a lasting solution. As community organisations, we remain committed to working alongside our Community Police Forum, Sector Forums, Neighbourhood Watches, Community in Blue Patrollers, and the broader community. The work we refuse to do is count bodies.

*Issued by the Elsies River Safety Initiative and  Inspire Network*

*For more information, contact:*

Chief Hamish Arries – +27 84 049 1103

Abdud-Dayaan Keown – +27 83 434 8992

Imraahn Mukaddam – +27 84 781 7122