Hanover Park Mothers Unite in Shared Grief and Hope Amid Ongoing Gang Violence

HANOVER PARK, CAPE TOWN — In a powerful display of solidarity, nearly 200 mothers from Hanover Park gathered this weekend to mourn, heal, and support one another after losing loved ones to gang violence. The emotional gathering brought together women whose lives have been irrevocably changed by the ongoing shootings and killings that continue to plague the community.

The event, titled “The Cycle of a Woman,” was held on Saturday night at Chrystal High School and created a safe space for mothers to share their stories of loss, resilience, and survival. Many of the women in attendance have buried children, siblings, or other innocent family members caught in the crossfire of gang-related violence.

The gathering was organised by Kashiefa Mohammed, a Hanover Park mother whose life was shattered eight years ago when her teenage son was murdered. Mohammed’s 17-year-old son, Raffiq, was stabbed to death by gangsters on the same day as her birthday—a date that has since become a painful annual reminder of her loss.

Hanover Park Mothers Call for an End to Violence

Fighting back tears, Mohammed addressed the crowd, recounting the trauma of losing her son and the ongoing pain shared by so many mothers in the community. She explained that every year, on the anniversary of Raffiq’s death, she hosts an event for mothers affected by gang violence as a way to transform grief into collective healing.

“We are so broken,” Mohammed said. “Please, mothers, hug your children. Tell them that you love them. We never had a chance to do that. Now we have to go to the graveyard and sit there and look at the sand.”

Her words resonated deeply with the women gathered in the school hall, many of whom nodded through tears as they reflected on their own losses. For some, the event marked the first time they had spoken openly about their grief among people who truly understood their pain.

Mohammed made a heartfelt plea directed at gang members operating in Hanover Park and surrounding areas, urging them to end the violence that continues to claim innocent lives.

“We can’t touch our children anymore. We can’t see them anymore,” she said. “We need this shooting and these killings to stop.”

Hanover Park has long struggled with entrenched gang activity, with residents frequently caught in the middle of violent turf wars. Mothers, in particular, have borne the emotional burden of burying children who never had a chance to escape the cycle of violence.

Many of the women attending the event said they live in constant fear, unsure whether their children will return home safely from school, work, or even a short trip to the shops. For those who have already suffered loss, the fear is compounded by trauma that never truly fades.

The “Cycle of a Woman” event aimed not only to remember those who have died, but also to empower mothers to lean on one another for strength. Speakers and participants emphasized the importance of community support, mental health awareness, and creating spaces where grief can be acknowledged rather than hidden.

Candles were lit in memory of the victims, and moments of silence were observed as mothers held photographs of their loved ones. The atmosphere was heavy with sorrow, yet also filled with compassion and unity.

Mohammed said she remains committed to continuing the annual gathering, despite the emotional toll it takes on her. She believes that bringing mothers together helps break the isolation that often follows violent loss.

“As long as there are mothers in Hanover Park who are hurting, this event must continue,” she said. “We can’t heal alone.”

Community members and local activists who attended the gathering echoed calls for stronger interventions to address gang violence, including increased social support, youth programmes, and trauma counseling for affected families.

While the event could not undo the pain of lives lost, it offered something equally important: acknowledgment. For one night, mothers who have suffered in silence were reminded that they are not alone in their grief.

As Hanover Park continues to grapple with violence, the voices of these mothers stand as a powerful reminder of the human cost of gang activity—and an urgent call for peace, protection, and lasting change.

Source- EWN