Turf Wars to control clubs and bars in Cape Town
This story was picked up off News24 yesterday and it’s all about the turf wars that appear to be boiling over in Cape Town at the moment.
The reason for these turf wars?
Gangs are attempting to muscle in on the lucrative drug trade that subsists in the nightlife and entertainment industry.
This type of thing is nothing new and no doubt exists in every country’s entertainment and nightlife scene, but a shootout at a local pub in Goodwood has highlighted the dangers and the reality that there may be gang-related turf wars that are about to boil over, as rival gangs try seize control of illicit trade in Cape Town.
A shooting
According to a News24 report, bouncers and armed gangsters shot at each other outside a Goodwood pub on Sunday morning at around 3:30am. This after the gang, allegedly known as the Young Rebels, had been harassing people and tried to rob patrons outside the venue. A source claims that they left after a skirmish with a bouncer, only to return armed with guns.
A shootout ensued and one bystander was injured. A bouncer is now facing an attempted murder charge after a young man was caught in the crossfire. The gun belonged to a friend of the bouncer and it was not registered so he too was arrested for possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The incident was confirmed by police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk “It is alleged that the group of men wanted to enter the pub at about 03:30. There was then an argument between the group and the bouncer, which led to the bouncer firing a number of shots and hitting one of the men in the forearm.”
News24 claim that sources in the underworld and the police are vying for territory ahead of the lucrative festive season, hence these turf wars. It has even been suggested that to incite full blown turf wars one gang is deliberately targeting a rival that is closely tied to the nightclub security industry, to force retaliation.
A few weeks back (also on a Sunday morning) a bullet was fired at a Loop Street nightclub. Thankfully there were no injuries. Turf wars in the world of entertainment are certainly not a new concept and sadly this type of thing rears its ugly head every now and then.
Just remember to be vigilant at all times and try and remain in large groups when partying this summer.
Read the full News24 report here.
