Law enforcement and police patrols were cut short after officers were allegedly stoned during police operations in Grassy Park on Friday 5 July. PHOTOS: Supplied
Residents of Lavender Hill, Ottery, Grassy Park, and Lotus River face daily gang shootings, turning their neighbourhoods into what they call war zones.JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, announced increased law enforcement efforts, but stressed the need for community cooperation. Local leaders and organisations call for peace and encourage residents to report information about the shootings to authorities.
In a statement last week, the Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith described the areas as in turmoil after four people were shot during regular intervals.
“Lavender Hill and Ottery have descended into a volatile war zone,” he said. “Already four persons shot.”
He added that maximum resources have been deployed to the areas to bring the gunfire under control. “We will help these communities as best as possible, but we need the community to help us,” said Smith. “With so many incidents, it cannot be that absolutely no one saw either of the shooters.”
Smith further described how law enforcement officers came under gunfire during an incident in Lavender Hill.
“Shooters are blending with groups, then making quick hits, before dispersing again with the crowds, as enforcement arrives.”
Law enforcement teams are, however, hard at work “on the firing line,” he added.
According to Smith, the area remains fraught as law enforcement agencies had to retreat during a patrol in Grassy Park on Friday 5 July.
“Our Law Enforcement received a request from Grassy Park police to assist with providing additional members for support,” he said. “Shootings had again begun across the area. Together with the increased support, the hostile areas were patrolled with street stop-and-searches.”
However, during a search operation officers were allegedly stoned.
“Law Enforcement members defended themselves by discharging shotgun rubber rounds in the direction of their attackers,” he said. “This forced the attackers to themselves seek cover, allowing the police and law enforcement convoy to retreat out of the area.”
Rosemary Alexander, a patroller from Buck Inn Neighbourhood Watch in Lotus River, shared the real fear experienced among parents and children.
“Parents are afraid of what would happen once their children return to school,” she commented. “As a parent, you are so afraid.”
Recent flare-up
According to Alexander, the gang shootings flared up a month ago.
“They are shooting every day and every night, it is so unnecessary because people are getting killed,” she said. “Children can’t play outside and residents can’t sit outside, it is even unsafe in our own homes.”
She claims a man was struck in gang crossfire, through the window of his home, on Thursday 4 July.
“It is so scary. For us neighbourhood watches we can’t walk around to check if it is safe because it is also unsafe for us.”
Alexander commended the police for remaining visible despite the volatile environment.
“The police, metro police and law enforcement agencies are working very hard.”
Grassy Park Community Policing Forum (CPF) chair Melvin Jonkers calls on the community to support police and not “hinder” law enforcement agencies while they are carrying out their duties.
“Regrettably gone are the days when children could be sent to the local shop to buy much-needed bread and milk for the household,” he said. “We regret the loss of life and send our condolences to the loved ones of the victims of shootings.”
Jonkers added that the ongoing gun violence is causing unnecessary stress among residents, especially the elderly.
“Gun violence can never become the norm in our neighbourhoods,” he said. “Our children cannot grow and develop in circumstances of violence.”
He urged social service agencies, churches and mosques to take a stand against crime.
“We cannot remain silent and stand idle while a whole generation is being lost for lack of direction and guidance,” he commented. “Everyone in the community has a responsibility to do everything in their power to create a peaceful living environment and it starts in the home.”
Meanwhile, in a statement, the Lotus River, Grassy Park Ratepayers and residents Civic Association (Logra Civic) called for peace amid the chaos.
“Reports are being received of ongoing shooting, especially in the Ottery flats area,” the statement read. “This cannot become normal for our community. We are calling on peace-loving members of our community to raise your voices.”
The ratepayer’s association encouraged residents to come forward with information about the shootings.
“Give a thought to the senior citizens who feel the rising stress every time the shots go off. Be brave and report guns in the neighbourhood.”
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