Cape Flats News (Cape Town)

South Africa: Ward Councillor Leads From the Front in Fight Against Gangsterism

Over the past couple of months, Bonteheuwel has been in the news regularly for its gangsterism and criminal activities. This in despite of interventions introduced via all the stakeholders in the area.

Not entirely satisfied with the outcomes, ward councillor Theresa Thompson has decided to take the fight to the "hotspot," areas. According to Ms.Thompson, "about a month ago a local resident come to my office and express frustrations at not being able to do anything, and that she and the surrounding street residents are tired and had enough, and seeing the pain in her pain eyes, make me realise as ward councillor and ex-officio leader of this area, to take decisive action."

The first step was to invite the Western Cape MEC for community safety Dan Plato to an urgent public meeting to collectively resolve the way forward. "If everyone in the community gives answers and get involved, the chances are better to secure a safer Bonteheuwel. The community must realize they are ones who live here and they need to look out for each other, as it will benefit all who stays here," a clearly emotional Theresa, said.

She is unsure what response the public meeting will generate, but is adamant her fight will continue whilst she's in office. It's her contention she owes it to the candid lady and many others who risked their daily lives to make a difference here.

  • Comment

Copyright © 2012 Cape Flats News. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica aggregates and indexes content from over 130 African news organizations, plus more than 200 other sources, who are responsible for their own reporting and views. Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica.

Comments Post a comment