‘No one is safe’: Athlone residents march after deadly Belgravia shootings

Feeling frustrated, residents of Athlone took to the streets after a series of deadly shootings in Belgravia claimed the lives of a 65-year-old woman and a man. Protests were organized by People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) members, who joined local residents in demanding an end to the violence that has left families living in fear. A large police presence monitored the protest as residents expressed their anger and called for a change in their community.

In recent weeks, a conflict between the Fancy Boys and JFK gangs has led to numerous shootings, with innocent people being killed in crossfire or by stray bullets. Last week, a JFK gang member was shot outside Heatherdale Primary School, and on Saturday, a 65-year-old woman and a man were killed in Belgravia, while another man was injured.

The Imam and Principal of the Belgravia Masjid and Madrassa, Mobeen Alexander, expressed his concern over the growing number of shootings, particularly the recent death of an elderly woman in the area during a gang-related incident.

PAGAD Secretary Zahrah Kriel emphasized that the issue of crime in Belgravia has been ongoing for years, but it has recently escalated due to a lack of willingness to confront criminals. She stated that the group was called to a meeting by community members who provided addresses of suspected drug-selling locations. However, Kriel noted that getting inside these addresses has been difficult due to community members' fear of speaking out against crime.

Kriel criticized the police for their lack of urgency in responding to crime reports and called for a demonstration on Sunday. During the march, clashes erupted between community members and police, with residents claiming they were not present when killings occurred but were present during the protest. Frustrated residents faced off with police, and chants such as "one fancy boy, one bullet" were heard throughout the event, demonstrating the residents' determination to reclaim their streets from criminal activity.