The children were caught on video in a smash and grab incident
Image: screengrab
A two-minute video circulating on social media this week has once again placed the spotlight on what residents describe as a “lawless” stretch of Epping Avenue, running parallel to 9th Avenue in Leonsdale, Elsies River where groups of young boys are allegedly carrying out smash-and-grab attacks in broad daylight.
The footage begins with a car parked along Epping Avenue. Within seconds, a young boy is seen crossing the road toward the vehicle. He appears to hesitate briefly before attempting to smash the window. Moments later, another boy approaches and forcefully breaks the glass.
The driver immediately exits the vehicle and attempts to chase the boys away, at one point moving between the back and the front of the car in an effort to shield it from further damage. One of the boys runs in front of the vehicle, seemingly undeterred, while another is seen fleeing across the road with an object in his hand.
Across the street, the fleeing child is met by approximately four other boys, believed to be part of the same group. Throughout the incident, bystanders can be seen standing and watching as events unfold. Two of the boys appear to run back toward the car before abruptly turning away just as the video cuts off.
The clip has sparked outrage and renewed calls for intervention in the Leonsdale area.
Imraan Mukkudam, CEO of the community-driven safety organisation Inspire Network, said the video reflects what residents have been experiencing for months.
“That whole area in Leonsdale, especially Epping Avenue parallel to 9th Avenue, is extremely lawless,” he said.
According to Mukkudam, the incidents are allegedly being carried out by a consistent group of between 10 and 12 youths, believed to be between the ages of 15 and 19.
“It’s the same group. They basically govern that whole stretch. They are the ones doing the smash-and-grabbing. They don’t go to school. They are preying and looking for their next target,” he alleged.
While the circumstances surrounding the specific video remain unclear, Mukkudam cautioned motorists against confronting suspects.
“We don’t know the context about why he was there at that moment, but to confront them is one of the most dangerous things for motorists to do,” he said.
He warned that while some may appear to be armed only with bricks, the risk of escalation is high.
“You don’t know what they have on them. They might throw a brick one minute, but when they run down the lane, you don’t know if they’re carrying something more dangerous,” he said.
Instead, he urged victims to prioritise their safety and report incidents through official channels.
“Make cases. Rather safeguard your life,” he stressed.
Mukkudam acknowledged that reporting stolen items, particularly cellphones, can be frustrating and time-consuming. However, he said underreporting crime contributes to the ongoing cycle of violence.
“It’s extremely frustrating to report a stolen cellphone, but still make an effort to do so. Crime is underreported. The person needs the blacklisting number, and without a case number, it becomes difficult to track patterns,” he explained.
He encouraged victims to provide detailed suspect descriptions, including facial features, height, clothing and distinguishing marks, to assist investigations.
Mukkudam further placed some responsibility on motorists to remain vigilant and avoid leaving valuables visible inside vehicles.
“Negligence of motorists is the currency that fuels violence on the Cape Flats,” he said. “These stolen phones are sold, and the money is used to buy guns and bullets. It feeds a bigger network.”
He pointed to previous community safety campaigns, including one at 35th Avenue and Van Riebeeck Street, which he said successfully reduced smash-and-grab incidents through coordinated patrols and awareness efforts.
“The campaign brought down a lot of smash-and-grabs there. It shows that when there is visibility and cooperation, we can push back,” he said.
For now, residents in Leonsdale are calling for increased police visibility and urgent intervention before the situation escalates further.
“The message is simple,” Mukkudam concluded. “Do not confront them. Report it. Protect your life first.”
*this is a developing story*
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za