In the Western Cape, the recruitment of children into gangs has been identified as a leading cause of the rising child deaths due to violence, including shootings and stabbings. Between September and November this year, 79 children were killed, according to the Western Cape Health Department, coinciding with the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
Norman Jantjies, chairperson of the Mitchells Plain Community Police Forum, expressed concern over the increasing involvement of children in gang activities. He highlighted that many young recruits are armed and pressured to commit violent acts, sometimes earning money for each crime they commit.
Jantjies urged officials to rethink their approach to addressing gangsterism. He suggested that the key to combating youth violence is to engage young people in decision-making processes for programs affecting them. He also noted a critical shortage of recreational activities in the province’s disadvantaged areas, further fueling the problem.
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