The community is engulfed in fear, and the loss of life is both tragic and unacceptable.

The recent events have been nothing short of devastating.

The sound of gunfire has become a hauntingly regular occurrence, and the number of casualties continues to rise.

Innocent lives, including those of a two-month-old baby and several teenagers, have been tragically cut short.

This senseless violence must be brought to an end right now!

It is imperative that authorities respond with the urgency it demands.

The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia saying the gangs “must stop” is not enough.

This all-out war requires a coordinated and decisive response.

The police service is under-resourced, which significantly hampers their ability to effectively address the violence.

It is crucial for them to beef up resources to restore peace and safety to the community. This includes not only increasing manpower and equipment but also implementing strategic measures to dismantle the networks perpetuating this violence.

It is also essential to bring together all role players to address this crisis.

Politicians, religious leaders, community activists, and non-governmental organisations must unite to develop and implement a robust plan of action.

We cannot afford to delay any longer while lives continue to be lost.

Affected communities must start taking responsibility for their own actions and complicity, at times, in the ongoing gang and gun violence.

They must stop protecting gangsters and hiding their guns and drugs in return for payment.

More boots on the ground isn’t the only solution.

We must, as communities, take back our streets.

We must stand  together, organised and mobilise.

Stop blaming the police. Stop blaming political parties.

Introspection is needed in our communities.

I was on the Cape Flats last week. I spoke to many residents. Mothers are crying out for help. They are living in fear.

Innocent lives are being lost every day.

Politicians must stop the bickering and work together.

The socio-economic issues need to be address with urgency.

Now is the time!

Cape Town Mayor, Geordin Hill-Lewis says: “Crime remains SA’s #1 challenge. We urge the Police Minister to allow Cape Town’s Metro Police to investigate gun crime, drugs and extortion. SAPS needs support, we’re ready to make our Cape Town safer.”

Yes, the time is long overdue for all levels of government to work together and fight the common enemy.

These gangster are running amok. National Government, and other levels of government,  need to move with urgency and restore law and order.

It’s a war and we must win it!

Yusuf Abramjee is a leading anti-crime activist and host of Crime Watch on etv and eNCA.

Catch #CrimeWatch this Sunday on eNCA (DSTV 403) at 7.30pm for part 1 on Gang Warfare. Also on etv after the Devi Show.

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