Western Cape Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz has urged Kensington community members to come forward with information on a gangster’s escape over the weekend.
Police were on Sunday pelted with stones by residents when they tried to arrest a well-known gang member after they found him with an illegal firearm.
Reports quoted police spokesperson FC van Wyk as saying they saw the gangster with a firearm and when they tried to arrest him, he started screaming for help.
“The well-known suspect was apprehended and the firearm confiscated. However, during the process, the suspect immediately started calling out for help, and approximately 30 unknown members of the community came out of their homes and threatened to shoot the police members if the suspect is not released.
‘I am absolutely appalled’
“The community members began throwing stones at police and the vehicles, thereby aiding and abetting the gunman to escape…,” Van Wyk said.
A News24 report said the firearm confiscated from the suspect was linked to a criminal case in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.
Fritz said he was shocked by the incident.
“I know that the Kensington community is fed up with gangsterism and crime, and so I urge all those who have information on this escape to come forward.
“We must ensure that crime and gangsterism does not pay in the Western Cape.
“But I must also say that I am absolutely appalled at the fact that some members of our communities have assisted this known criminal to escape the reach of the law,” IOL quoted Fritz as saying.
Picture: Cape Town etc gallery
ALSO READ: Kensington residents help well-known gangster flee from police
Kensington residents help well-known gangster flee from police