Press Release – People’s Movement for Change Calls for Urgent Action Amid Another FatalShooting in Elsies River

The People’s Movement for Change (PMC) is deeply saddened and outraged by yet  another senseless act of gang violence in Elsies River today. A 27-year-old father of two  tragically lost his life while making a routine trip to the shop to purchase eggs. 

According to reports, unknown gang members entered the shop, fatally shot the young  man, and threatened the cashier, who narrowly escaped harm by hiding under the  counter.  

This devastating incident comes mere hours after another shooting in 12th Avenue,  Leonsdale, where community members insinuated law enforcement failed to intervene  despite being notified of the situation. Community frustrations boiled over, resulting in  stone-throwing and road blockades before law enforcement intervened to restore calm.  

After frantic calls to Marius Fransman and Alderman JP Smith, she secured the  assistance of Law Enforcement in Elsies River.  

The People’s Movement for Change expresses heartfelt gratitude to Alderman JP Smith  for his swift response and commitment to tending to the cries of the Elsies River  communities.  

People’s Movement for Change President, Marius Fransman, has expressed grave  concern over the continued failure to address the socio-economic crises that feed this  cycle of violence. 

Fransman has called on all stakeholders – including law enforcement agencies, local  and provincial governments, political parties, businesses, and community members – to put aside party politics and adopt a unified, community-driven approach to tackle  these challenges head-on.  

“Our communities are living under siege,” Fransman stated. “We cannot afford the  luxury of partisanship when lives are being lost daily a community-participatory 

approach is essential to finding sustainable solutions to the epidemic of violence,  poverty, and crime plaguing our people.”  

To address these dire issues, President Marius Fransman has initiated strategic  engagements with national, provincial and local authorities in particular, the National  Minister of Police, Mr. Senzo Mchunu. President Fransman emphasized that urgency  and collaboration are key, echoing the importance of a community-centred approach  while reiterating that this is no time for political grandstanding.  

Claudine Coledrige expressed her exhaustion in fighting such a significant battle with  the little resources available from the Elsies River South African Police Service (SAPS).  

“The People’s for Movement Change stands in solidarity with the Elsies River  community and all communities impacted by gang violence. We urge all sectors of  society to unite, bring hope to the people, and forge sustainable solutions to bring  peace and prosperity to our neighbourhoods impacted by gang violence. We urge all  sectors of society to unite, bring hope to the people, and forge sustainable solutions to  bring peace and prosperity to our neighbourhoods.” 

Contact: 

People’s Movement for Change 

Grant Harmse 

Head of Communications 

Cape Town 

0659784075