About 300 people from New Horizons and surrounds marched on Sunday against crime in the area, stopping at alleged drug houses along the way.
Police officers were deployed to keep the peace during what was supposed to be a peaceful march, but some of the marchers clashed with alleged gang members, said Grassy Park police station commander Colonel Dawood Laing.
“Officers reported that they had to intervene when a few of the Pagad G Force members had an altercation with a gang member of the Six Bobs,” he said.
He warned residents not to take the law into their own hands because permission might not be given for further marches.
“No one was arrested but the community must stick to the awareness march,” he said.
Zainonesa Rashid, the founder of Bienasriellaahi Feeding Scheme, said the community was upset about ongoing shootings and violence.
“We hear regular shots fired in the area in the evening. On Saturday evening, shots were fired. We as a community need to stand firmly together and rid this society of the evil scourge of gangsterism and drugs that’s taking over our community.”
Three weeks ago, a Six Bob member was shot in the leg in a drive-by shooting in Manekin Street. People, including children, were outside in the streets when the shooting happened at 8pm.
No arrests have been made in connection with that incident, said Grassy Park police spokesperson Captain Wynita Kleinsmith.
“SAPS opened a skeleton docket but victims didn’t want to give a statement,” said Captain Kleinsmith.
Ms Rashid said street committee leaders had used a WhatsApp group to organise the march.
Residents had been urged to do more than just complain and question neighbourhood watches, she said.
“It’s not the sole responsibility of these structures to ensure safety in our community but rather the responsibility of each and every homeowner, person or individual living in this community.”
The marchers had visited about 10 houses of alleged gangsters, illegal shebeens and houses where illegal activities took place, she said.
“We started with 100 people, but as we walked through the streets, more neighbours joined us, and we ended up with an estimated 300 people.”
Fatima Jacobs, of the Egret Street committee, said the march had been a success.
“We just had enough of the gangsters and drug lords who sell drugs to children and lure the girls from their parents’ homes.
“Our spaza shop owners are in danger as they must pay protection money to gangsters.”
She said the elderly in the community were vulnerable and it was not safe for children to play outside.
Ms Jacobs said there were plans to hold another march, from 18th Avenue, in New Horizon, on Sunday October 1, at 3pm.