WC police shortage cripples operations
In June Operation Shanela 2 was launched across the province. It's more police, with a targeted approach because of improved crime intelligence.
The establishment of an anti-gang unit and frequent raids by Operation Shanela officers, are having minimal impact.
Gang and extortion related killings continue, especially on the Cape Flats. There has been a spate of mass killings. Seven people were shot dead one incident in Gugulethu. And between June and July dozens of people have been killed in gang related violence on the Cape Flats.
The City of Cape Town plans to add 700 more police officers. They will be deployed in September after 18 months of specialised training.
The province has also launched crime prevention programmes at schools. Planet Youth has also been rolled out at schools and targets substance abuse among grade 8 and 9 pupils.
The programme aims to shield young people from the temptation of joining gangs,
and offers them a safer, supportive environment.
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