During 2020, 2 members of the Flakka Kids' gang were shot dead on the streets of Lavenderhill, by 3 armed perpetrators belonging to the JFK' gang.
With Lavenderhil long been known as a stronghold of the Junky Funky Kids' gang, the rapidly changing gang environment over recent years has seen newer, smaller gangs quickly forming, and contesting for power as they attempt to wrestle away control and seize territory. With the Flakka Kids' pushing for control in the Steenberg and Lavenderhill areas, these suburbs have battled with increased gang warfare over recent years.
On the 20th of January 2025, the three suspects of the Flakka Kids', Shakoor Gaffoor (25), Riedewan Cedras (27 ), and Grandall Solomons (40), whom had been arrested for the murder, were each sentenced to life in prison.
On Thursday morning, JFK leader Ashley “Essie” Phillips, was walking towards the Brackenfel SAPS, believed to be for the purpose of signing his parole register. Begore entering the police station, he was approached by 3 persons, this time belonging to the Flakka Kids', and was gunned down outside.
With the latest high-profile killing expected to unleash a war between these opposing gangs, the City of Cape Town has sent additional resources into the Steenberg and Lavenderhill area, to assist SAPS.
With the Metro Police's Gang & Drug Task Team (GDTT) having already managed numerous arrests along with the seizure of several large drug-hauls over the past few days, city resources are already assisting the South African Police Services own dedicated Anti-Gang Unit.
[JP Smith]