Cape residents demand urgent reform to laws and policing

Frustrated residents marched from the Western Cape High court to Parliament calling on leaders in office to ensure that the Constitution, Human Rights and the Rule of Law is upheld in practice and not only in words.

The peaceful protest held on Heritage Day brought together people and organisations asking the question: "What is heritage without justice?"

The march addressed various concerning issues plaguing communities, including gun violence, gender-based violence, flaws in the justice system, courts failing women, children and corruption to name a few.

Organiser of the march and founder of the Social Impact with Pearl, Pearl Walsh, said the march is about the people for the people.

Walsh said: “The march is about the justice system failing us dismally by not applying the rule of law and equality before the courts. 

“When it comes to corruption, whether in the policing or court system, it fails us because our people don’t know their basic Human and Constitutional Rights. 

“Why should our communities live in fear when the police department, Minister of Justice and our president is not supporting us? 

“We see these budgets going out for more police members being recruited but where are these people when we need them?

“Our heritage, our culture and our religion plays a big part, but the system fails us and our Parliament violates all those rights which we are entitled to as citizens of South Africa.”

A mother broke down in tears claiming that she had not seen her 13-year-old twins with special needs since 2024 as the father was given full custody and he refuses to allow the mother to see her children.

“Everything I say in court is being dismissed. Police say they can't do anything. I had ten cases against this man for family violence. He was approved to relocate with my children and I was unaware of it. That is not allowed", she said/

Bonteheuwel resident Jeffrey Goodman, who is part of the Truth and Solidarity Movement, explained: “The situation is tense in Bonteheuwel at the moment. 

“We have lost people since the beginning of the year to GBV and gang violence. 

“We have Law Enforcement, Metro Police and a satellite police station but we are not getting service from these entities and upholding the law.

“Members from the People’s Movement for Change said there has been no feedback from the president and government stepping in and doing something about the violence against women and children and gang violence.

“It starts with the police, they are not doing the arrests, following up or contacting families. “The justice system needs a whole re-do because a lot of people are getting away with crime and perpetrators are led back into the same community. We are sick and tired of that."

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