23/08/2025
*BONTEHEUWEL JOINT PEACE FORUM*
*MEDIA STATEMENT*
We, the *Bonteheuwel Joint Peace Forum (JPF)*, strongly condemn the continuous ongoing gun violence enacted daily within our beloved Bonteheuwel.
This morning an innocent baby was shot and he has subsequently succumbed to his injuries. We are totally outraged by this senseless act of violence perpetrated upon this baby boy.
The question begs, residents of Bonteheuwel - how many more innocent lives must be lost, how many more times must our schoolgoing children duck and dive through the rain of bullets morning and afternoon, before we all decide that enough is really just enough!
A few days ago in another Cape Flats township DA MP's were allegedly attacked, and within hours the guilty parties were apprehended and put into a cell.
Do you think the same is going to happen for us with the death of this little baby boy!? NO!!!
Bonteheuwel, it is time for you to wake up from your deep sleep of cowardice and join the rest of the community members who are doing their utmost best to put an end to the violence we endure daily.
Our lullabies at night are the sounds of gunshots, and many morning is it our alarm clock, as well.
Our children are growing up in a very unhealthy environment and they are too young to become desensitized to murder and violence, yet, we see this unfolding right before our eyes.
To those who knows these thugs who wants to play "cowboys and crooks" slinging guns as if it's a torch, speak up!
Your silence is indicative that you are condoning their behavior and that makes you an accomplice to the ongoing violence. And in essence, a co-murderer of this little baby boy, today.
We are calling on Alderman JP Smith to unleash his forces, like he did for Ian Cameron and the rest, and assist us in finding the killer/s of this baby boy, immediately!
We are calling on leaders to stop politicising the suffering of Bonteheuwel, and in this instance, do not use the death of an innocent baby as part of political grandstanding!
For once, support the family if you must, but do it without talking politics.
And lastly, but lost importantly, we are extending our deepest and sincerest condolences to the parents, grandparents and extended family of this little baby.
We are aware that no words will bring you comfort or ease the pain you feel, but know that our thoughts and prayers are always with you.
We are releasing the clarion call to the greater community of Bonteheuwel to get up, stand up and let's reclaim our streets and the greater community for our children!
Come on Bonteheuwel! You have done it before, let's do it again!
Author: LMG
