Sun Sep 14 13:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Residents Fight Back as Gang Violence Escalates in Steenberg Precinct**

**Cape Town, South Africa -** Residents in the Steenberg precinct are increasingly speaking out against escalating gang violence, attempting to reclaim their communities from the grip of the Junky Funky Kids gang. A surge in deadly shootings has plagued Steenberg, Retreat, and Lavender Hill, leaving residents living in fear.

The latest incident occurred on Wednesday in 12th Avenue, Retreat, where a 26-year-old man was fatally shot. According to police reports, a red vehicle pulled up alongside the victim as he stood in the street, and the occupant opened fire before fleeing the scene. The victim was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. Steenberg police are investigating the murder, with authorities attributing the motive to gang-related activity.

“Steenberg police responded to a complaint of a shooting on Wednesday afternoon, 10 September 2025, at about 14:25, in 12th Avenue, Retreat, and upon arrival on the scene they found the body of a 26-year-old male who sustained gunshot wounds,” said Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg. “According to reports the victim was standing in the road when a red vehicle stopped next to him and the occupant of the vehicle started shooting at him before fleeing the scene. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack is gang related. A murder case was registered for investigation.”

This incident follows a recent outbreak of violence, including the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old and the wounding of two men in Retreat on Monday. Hours later, two more men were shot in Steenberg.

Despite the ongoing violence, there are signs of hope. Nicola Small, Public Relations Officer for the Steenberg Community Police Forum, reports a heightened police and Law Enforcement presence in the area and, crucially, a growing willingness from community members to share information with law enforcement.

“Following the recent spate of shootings in the Steenberg precinct, SAPS and Law Enforcement have increased their presence in the area,” said Small. “Lately we’ve also seen more people in the community coming forward with information, that’s encouraging, and I hope it’s the start of residents taking back their communities. I always appeal to people to speak up, not be complacent, and not allow the ‘progress’ of these gangs. And I have been seeing a shift.”

Police are urging anyone with information regarding these shooting incidents to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. The community’s increased willingness to cooperate offers a glimmer of hope in the fight against gang violence in the Steenberg precinct.

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