Due a flood of complaints by Lentegeur residents, anti-crime movement People against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) are to form an alliance with the Lentegeur West Ratepayers to tackle gangsterism and drug pedalling in the area.

“The Lentegeur West residents raised many grievances regarding drugs and gangsterism in the area so we are going to be marching to show our support. We feel there is a need for us to stand up against drugs and gangsterism not only in Lentegeur but all areas,” says national deputy co-ordinator Haroon Orrie.

Pagad has joined the Lentegeur West Ratepayers to form a strong moving force to make their presence felt in the area.

“The Lentegeur West Ratepayers and PAGAD will embark on a joint legal march due to a call of the people who are tired of the crime in Lentegeur,” says Orrie.

The alliance will be working closely with the community to monitor the crime levels in the area. The movement has gained permission of the City of Cape Town for the demonstration and plans to protest passively.

Lentegeur West has become a playground for drug pedals who have started bribing children into drug trafficking at parks in the area, says Peter Hoffman from the Lentegeur Ratepayers.

“They are now in the parks selling drugs getting the kids involved. It’s not enough that they take over every street corner in the area,” says Hoffman.

Gangsters have reportedly looted the shops of foreign nationals in Lentegeur to make space for their illegitimate dealings.

“They fight with the Somali and Pakistani shopkeepers to sell their drugs there,” says Hoffman.

The Ratepayers have had a discussion with various shopkeepers in the area to stop trading at 10pm to ensure their own safety.

“We feel it’s better for shops to close earlier because night time is a popular time for drug dealers and gangsters to attack people,” says Hoffman.

The Ratepayers have constantly reported various incidences to the Lentegeur police station but they have failed to act.

“The police do nothing. Lentegeur police station is worse than Mitchell’s Plain police station and the crime just gets worse,” says Hoffman.

The march will be taking place on Saturday 28 November 2015 at West-End Primary School near Highlands Drive, Lentegeur at 4.00pm. VOC