4 May 2006

Capetonians concerned by the levels of crime and violence across the city were offered an opportunity to make a symbolic statement against the carnage by participating in a silent peace March on May 4.

Organised by CapeTalk, the "Silence the Violence" initiative followed a dramatic increase in gang violence, a host of gruesome murders and ongoing general crime in Cape Town and its surrounds over recent weeks.

CapeTalk station manager Colleen Louw said hundreds of callers to the station recently had expressed anger and deep concern at crime levels in the city and had expressed a desire to do something about the situation.

"They were telling us that crime levels in our city were unacceptable and that they wanted to do something about it.  We provided them with a platform to do so."

"This was not a protest, but through this symbolic and silent walk for peace we encouraged ordinary Capetonians to play a part in the resolution of this dire situation and to collectively take action and show their solidarity with all efforts aimed at normalising the situation."

"We urged ordinary citizens and organised groups to come out of their homes and their offices en masse on May 4 and make a stand," said Louw.

"We want this to be the first step towards a crime-free Mother City," she added.

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