A specialised Graffiti Unit led a community clean-up in Manenberg this week, removing gang-related tags linked to rising violent stone-throwing incidents involving local youth.
The operation focused on eliminating territorial markings created by youth groupings, often used to assert control over specific areas. Authorities say the graffiti has been connected to recent increases in violent confrontations and stone-throwing incidents in the community.
The unit, operating within the Law Enforcement Department, removes illegal graffiti across the metro on a daily basis. In the final three months of 2025 alone, nearly 10 000 square metres of graffiti were cleared.
Under the Graffiti By-law, graffiti includes any inscription, symbol, drawing or marking applied to natural or man-made surfaces that is visible from a public space, excluding legitimate street numbering.
Property owners and occupiers are responsible for ensuring that their premises remain free of illegal graffiti. Offenders caught defacing property face a R1 500 fine and are issued a compliance notice requiring removal of the graffiti at their own cost.
Each reported case is formally investigated and documented, with photographic evidence and statements recorded in an official register.
Beyond enforcement, the unit also supports lawful mural applications by conducting site inspections and assessing stakeholder and property owner consent. Following inspection, reports are submitted to the Arts and Culture branch, which manages mural facilitation.
The Manenberg clean-up was inspired by a recent Safety and Security pilot project addressing the emergence of youth gangs referred to as “klipgooiers.” The broader intervention includes both social development and enforcement strategies.
‘As part of our research, it was established that the youth who are involved in daily violent altercations have created various groupings. Subsequently, they have taken to tagging their gang names across the community to mark their territories. This is a very concerning trend, and it speaks to the ongoing grooming of youth to join gangs.
‘Gang graffiti has an immense psychological impact on residents living in communities like Manenberg. This is not just a drawing on a wall. It is a clear message sent by gangs to assert their dominance over law abiding residents, while warning rival gangs not to enter. The clean-up was the first step in showing the gangs that we will not allow our youth to carry on these traditions and together, we will take our communities back from gangs,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Residents are encouraged to report illegal graffiti and gang tags via the C3 platform, where logged service requests are referred to Law Enforcement.
Stone-throwing incidents and other safety concerns can be reported through the Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700 or anonymously via 0800 1100 77.
