Former gangster Gayton McKenzie hosts summit to advocate for peace
McKenzie, himself a former gangster, said he recently held a meeting with gangs north of Cape Town to advocate peace amongst them.
Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has recently held discussions with gang members in the Western Cape.
MCKENZIE SPARKS CONTROVERSY
With crime looming as a significant concern for voters in the upcoming elections, Gayton McKenzie has engaged in discussions with gang members with peace talks.
In a recent opinion piece for GroundUp, Western Cape MEC for Community Safety, Reagen Allen disclosed that two individuals fall victim to gang-related violence daily in the province.
According to The Citizen McKenzie, who has a personal history as a former gang member, it was disclosed that he recently convened a gathering with gang affiliates located north of Cape Town.
He emphasised the importance of such dialogue, citing widespread insecurity among the populace as the driving force behind the meeting.
“We had meetings with different gangsters in Malmesbury with the sole aim of making peace. The children are traumatised, and I promised to bring the Temple Boys.
“I kept my promise and the peace is steadily increasing,” he claimed.
“We’re committed to wiping out gangsterism. I have firsthand experience and was once deeply involved in it myself. I know the ins and outs of battling this scourge,” McKenzie asserted.
According to IOL, He went on to highlight a common misconception, stating, “Many mistakenly view gangsterism solely as a law enforcement problem. It’s much more than that; it’s a societal issue. Without jobs or opportunities, gangsters fill the void. Our approach involves restoring law and order through a relentless fight against gangsterism.”
“If you don’t give people jobs or you don’t give people opportunities. Gangsters take them. We will bring back law and order by fighting gangsterism.”
BOOSTING SECURITY: PROGRESS ON NEW WESTERN CAPE POLICE STATIONS CONSTRUCTION
A recent police statement has revealed the construction of additional police stations in Western Cape areas characterised by high crime rates.
Specifically, the construction efforts are focused on establishing two new stations in Makhaza and Tafelsig.
According to Cape Town etc, On 12 March, General Bheki Cele, accompanied by SAPS management and representatives from the Ministry of Police, conducted monitoring and evaluation visits to both police stations for assessment purposes.
Upon completion, the Tafelsig station will enhance accessibility to law enforcement services for residents of Mitchells Plain.
Construction of the station faced delays initially due to community demands to be involved in the project, but these issues have been successfully resolved.
The Makhaza police station is nearing completion at “97 percent” and is slated to serve the Khayelitsha community.
Alongside Tafelsig, Browns Farm and Samora Machel stations are anticipated to be fully operational by 2026.