Mothers Protest Cape Flats Gang Violence by Chaining Themselves to Parliament Gates
Cape Town – Supporters of ActionSA from Overcome Heights staged a protest against gang violence at the gates of Parliament, where they chained themselves in a show of desperation.
On Tuesday, 16 September 2025, ActionSA reported that desperate mothers had attached themselves to the gates of Parliament, urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare a state of emergency on the Cape Flats.
Leading the protest were mothers and their children, who voiced their outrage over the escalating bloodshed in their community, as stated by the party.
ActionSA MP Dereleen James highlighted that the constant sound of gunfire, frequent fatalities, and children’s inability to attend school have instilled a climate of fear that now characterizes life on the Cape Flats.
Earlier in May, a shocking total of 26 murders and 58 attempted murders were recorded by the police in just one week.
Last week, following Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia’s announcement that intelligence measures to combat gang violence in Cape Town were not fully operational, six individuals were killed in shootings.
ActionSA emphasized that the testimonies of these mothers reflect the struggles faced by innocent citizens living under the threat of gang violence.
MP Dereleen James remarked that gang violence continues to take innocent lives, forcing communities into unimaginable fear, preventing them from walking freely in their own neighborhoods.
“This is exactly why ActionSA contacted the President and delivered a letter last week representing the desperate residents of the Cape Flats, urging him to take action and declare a state of emergency,” stated MP James.
“Such a declaration would mobilize the necessary resources and operational capabilities needed to deliver a significant blow to the gangs and put an end to the daily bloodshed claiming innocent lives.”
MP James also mentioned that ActionSA has reached out to the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, urging him to prioritize increasing visible policing presence and enhancing anti-gang operations within the community.
“Additionally, given the current strain on police resources and the lack of a concrete plan to combat gang violence, we asked if he would support our call for the declaration of a state of emergency,” the MP stated.
“ActionSA believes that this declaration is the only viable solution that would finally provide the necessary resources and reinforcements to end the violence that is ravaging our communities.”
