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Gangs lure kids into crime with fast food and sneakers

As troops join the anti-crime effort in major cities, Cape Flats community leaders describe how more and more children are being induced or coerced into joining gangs

1 min read
Cape Flats children as young as five are being sucked into gangs for no more than a burger or a pair of shoes.
Cape Flats children as young as five are being sucked into gangs for no more than a burger or a pair of shoes.Picture: Brenton Geach

Cape Flats children as young as five are being sucked into gangs for no more than a burger or a pair of shoes.

As hundreds of soldiers were deployed this week in crime-ridden urban areas across South Africa, one Cape Flats mother told of her anguish after her son was lured into a gang last year at the age of 13. She recently found out her son and his friends were collecting protection money from other school kids.

“I feel trapped. I cannot afford to leave this area. I live with constant fear that one day my child could fall victim to mob justice,” she said. “Sometimes they are seen standing on street corners with known gang members.”

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