Chapter 44: Reasons for the High Murder and GBV Rate

…continued from 22 June 2026…

FIRST TIME HERE? NO PROBLEM – START AT THE BEGINNING – WARNING YOU WILL BECOME ADDICTED TO THE STORY.

People lived in wood and zinc constructions, often patched together with advertising boarding or any discarded waste building material. They lived on-top of each other or right next to each other in appalling conditions. The current government had tried to make amends from the apartheid era by tarring the roads in the area and provided electricity and a crude bucket toilet system, but it had done nothing to stem the seriously dysfunctional effects this kind of existence had on the community. Living like this was what led to Cape Town’s globally high murder and GBV rate.

Peter observed the shacks from the comfort of his large Mercedes, it suddenly made him wonder about where Johan lived. So, he asked him. 

This led to Peter suggesting they drive through Johan’s neighbourhood on the way back to the office so that he could get a feel for the energy and living conditions there.

“There are a lot of churches in the neighbourhood Johan, are they all the same denomination? Peter asked Johan after making the observation. 

“Yes sir, there many churches all over the Cape Flats and no sir, they are all kinds of denominations like Anglican, Methodist, New Apostolic, and even Mosques,” Johan replied.

“Why do you think there are so many places of worship in such close proximity?” Peter asked. 

Johan wasn’t sure what proximity meant at that time, but he guessed it had something to do with the closeness of the churches. 

“I don’t know sir, but I think that if you are poor and desperate you need a lot of faith just to survive each day. "

Now Johan remembered where the idea had originally come from. With only two weeks to go before the actual election, it was time to activate the plan. 

Johan was still amazed that after more than 500 years of recorded history and despite the Coloured population making up just under 50 percent of the total population in the Western Cape, they had never been able to control their own destiny.

Elaine chose the same church in Valhalla Park on the Cape Flats from where Whitney was buried, to launch the plan. Her team had ensured an orchestrated a media turnout which consisted exclusively of local community press which only serviced the Coloured communities, although several of the reporters also did freelance work for the mainstream press. She had arranged with the local Reverend, to address the church after his sermon. 

“Thank you reverend,” she said. She looked out across the church, which was filled to capacity.

 It was strangely quiet, almost as if even the babies had decided to be quiet, in anticipation of what was to come.

Outside, Elaine’s team were feverishly setting up stalls, unpacking the goody bags they intended giving away later. 

Directly in front of her, Elaine looked at the press contingent of about 5 local journalists. She recognised them all and smiled at them. 

The pulpit from which she was about to address everyone, was crowned with several microphones and recording devices, while some of the journalists held up their cell phones ready to capture an image or recording to share on social media. 

“In a little over two weeks, most of you will get the opportunity to vote for who you would like to take care of you in this beautiful Cape of ours,” she began.

The crowd remained quiet.

Continued tomorrow 24 June 2026, before 12pm

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