Title: Ramaphosa Pressured Over Rising Gang Violence

President Cyril Ramaphosa faced tough questions in the National Assembly of South Africa about the country’s high levels of violent crime, especially gang-related killings in the townships of Cape Town.

During a parliamentary question session, members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) called on the government to take urgent action to stop what they described as daily killings and mass murders linked to gang violence in the area.

According to data released earlier by the South African Police Service, more than 411,600 serious and violent crimes were recorded by the third quarter of 2024, highlighting the scale of the country’s security challenges.

Ramaphosa acknowledged the seriousness of the situation but said the government has plans and interventions to combat gang activity and extortion. He expressed confidence that law enforcement agencies and the broader criminal justice system are working hard to bring gang violence under control.

Public frustration over crime has continued to grow. In August 2025, more than 100 people marched in Cape Town under the banner of People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) G-Force to protest rising gang killings and drug-related violence.

The demonstrations echo earlier nationwide protests against crime and violence, including large marches in 2019 where thousands of women demanded stronger action against gender-based violence in South Africa.

Source: Newstimehub