CAPE TOWN - To deal with gangsterism the government needs to address the issues of unemployment.
This is according to Western Cape Community Safety MEC, Anroux Marais we need more jobs and economic growth to curb the violence that is within communities.
"Every household must have a job so that our young people do not join gangs to escape poverty," she said.
Marais was reacting to the Quarterly Crime Statistics for the last quarter of 2024 released by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The Western Cape (WC) continues to record the highest number of gang-related murders in the country, with 263 cases recorded between October and December alone.
At least 11 of the top 30 police stations that dealt with murder cases are in the Western Cape.
The province is also known for gang-related violence, which the government has admitted is out of control.
Marias says gangsterism is intertwined with many choosing this path to be considered a 'heros' within the community.