A march by the People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) through Belgravia in Athlone, Cape Town, was rerouted on Sunday, 11 October 2026. Residents of the Vlei area, which runs along the Vygieskraal Canal, prevented PAGAD members from marching through their neighborhood. The decision to change the route was also influenced by police concerns about potential confrontations between gangsters and some community members.
The PAGAD march was organized in response to recent incidents of fatal gun violence in the area. The group was trailed by a heavy Public Order Police presence as they marched through the suburb. PAGAD spokesperson Zahra Kriel stated that the march was about a community seeking help and suffering from the loss of their children due to gang violence.
Despite the efforts of PAGAD, some residents expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the march in addressing the issue of gang violence. A resident of Belgravia Estate, who has lived in the area her entire life, told Eyewitness News that she was not hopeful about the situation improving. She cited recent incidents of gun violence, including the shooting of a man in peak traffic and the killing of four people in Verster Road.
The Vlei area, where residents resisted the PAGAD march, is a neighborhood within the larger Belgravia suburb. The area has been affected by gang violence, which has resulted in the deaths of several residents. PAGAD's efforts to march through the area were met with animosity by some residents, who may have concerns about the impact of the march on their community.
The People Against Gangsterism and Drugs group has been active in addressing gang violence in Cape Town. The organization's marches and campaigns aim to raise awareness about the issue and bring together community members to demand action from authorities. However, some residents may have concerns about the approach taken by PAGAD and its potential impact on community relationships.
The incident highlights the complexities of addressing gang violence in Cape Town's suburbs. While PAGAD's efforts aim to bring attention to the issue, some residents may have concerns about the methods used and the potential consequences for their community. Authorities and community leaders will need to engage with residents and develop effective strategies to address the root causes of gang violence.
The Cape Town police have been working to address gang violence in the city, with a focus on disrupting gang operations and arresting suspects. However, the issue remains a significant challenge for law enforcement and community leaders. The PAGAD march and the resistance from some residents highlight the need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing gang violence in Cape Town's suburbs.
Key points
- The PAGAD march was rerouted due to resistance from residents of the Vlei area.
- The march was organized in response to recent incidents of fatal gun violence in the area.
- Some residents expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the march in addressing the issue of gang violence.
