ActionSA MP Dereleen James has criticised government for failing to eradicate drugs and gang violence in communities. This comes after the shooting of seven teenagers in Westbury, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

Two of the victims died upon arrival at the hospital, while the others have been treated for their injuries and remain in hospital.

The community of Westbury has long been calling on police to crack down on gang activity in the area, but to no avail.

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James says government lacks interest and political will to resolve the crisis.

“We’ve seen the police deploy many members into these areas over the years. We’ve seen many ministers descend upon these areas and there’s been no tangible change. There’s no tangible change because this government lacks the ability as well as the intelligence to sort of implement a comprehensive response in these areas that does not just look at the policing element, but that looks at all 21 departments responsible for the eradication of drugs and addressing these social ills via the national drug master plan.”

PODCAST | Dereleen James’ full interview on First Take SA: