The Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in Manenberg has been forced to shut its doors until further notice after gang-related violence spilled over onto the premises.

The centre’s director, Advocate Bernadine Bachar said that gang members are firing shots from outside the facility, targeting their rivals. Bullet casings have been found on the property.

“It’s not an unusual experience for staff at the Saartjie Baartman Centre to hear gun shots going off. While gang-violence has been ongoing in the Manenberg area, over the past several months it escalated to alarming proportions threatening the safety of community members needing the assistance.” said Bacher.

Residents at the facility are women and children fleeing from abusive environments.

Bachar noted that this surge in violence has led to significant disruptions with community members being unable to access essential services.

She added that the centre being caught in the centre is not only heart-breaking but also speaks to the power of gangs and the fear they instill in the community; to the point where safe spaces are now suffering at the hands of gangsters and crime.