Transforming Safety: The Impact of the Langa Safety Patrol in Cape Town

Once widely regarded as a hotspot for crime and insecurity, Langa has undergone a quiet transformation with the establishment of the Langa Safety Patrol (LSP), a registered non-profit organisation.

What were once dark years marked by fear have steadily receded, replaced by a growing sense of safety and community pride.

Today, the LSP stands as a strong advocate for safety and community wellbeing, serving not only Langa residents but also tourists and visitors to Cape Town’s oldest township. The organisation has taken on what it describes as its greatest responsibility: rooting out crime while restoring dignity to the community

A dedicated team of 25 local volunteer crime fighters patrols the streets of Langa day and night.  At any given time, up to 15 patrol members can be found on the ground, maintaining a visible presence across the township.

Founder and chairperson, Bandile Gcuwa, said the decision to intervene nine years ago came after crime spiralled out of control. He said many of the criminals were known to the community and were, in fact, residents themselves.

“The police had resources but were not doing enough. We had to stand up and reclaim our township. Langa is the oldest township and a tourist attraction. We asked the councillor to call a public meeting with one agenda: enough was enough.”

He said children could no longer walk safely to school, residents were afraid to visit local shops, and people could not use their mobile phones in public. Most concerning were workers who were repeatedly robbed on their way to work by individuals they recognised from the community.

These conditions, he said, demanded brave men and women willing to take a stand. While the LSP received support from some quarters, it was met with hostility in others.

“We expected resistance,” said Mr Gcuwa. “We are not money - not everyone will like us. We didn’t care then, and we still don’t. Our mission is to fight crime, and we do it voluntarily, without any expectation of payment. We are creating a safe space for our children, our families, and our parents.”

Today, Langa is widely regarded as a safer destination for both residents and visitors, said Mr Gcuwa. Many community members have regained the confidence to move freely, reassured by the LSP's visible presence and work. However, he noted that while people were quick to praise the organisation, tangible support remained limited. 

Addressing the notorious smash-and-grab incidents along the N2 highway, Mr Gcuwa said the organisation had successfully recovered all reported stolen items. 

“We have dealt with every case reported to us. We know those boys, and they know what we are capable of,” he said.

He issued a stern warning to criminals who continued to target the community.

“We are not scared. We are doing this out of love for our township and our children. We will not be bullied, and we will not tolerate any form of crime, no matter who commits it.”

Ward councillor Lwazi Phakade said he was proud to have worked closely with the LSP and credited the organisation with a significant crime reduction.

“They have played a major role in reducing crime, particularly robberies targeting e-hailing drivers. The decline has been so significant that Langa is now considered the only township where Uber drivers feel safe. That is sterling work,” he said.

Mr Phakade said Langa had seen an influx of people relocating from other areas due to its improved safety.

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