Cape Town – Fears that the pervasive violent gang culture in the Western Cape may have found its way into the Cape Town Council were heightened after a councillor was caught on camera making threatening signs associated with the notorious 28s and 27s gangs.
Gangs in the Western Cape contribute to a surge in violence, especially in Cape Town.
Police stats reveal that 3 770 gang-related murders were reported between 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2024, and 5 463 gang-related attempted murders were recorded in the same period.
Now it appears gang signs – hand gestures and nonverbal signals – that they use to communicate with one another, have found their way into council chambers in the Mother City.
On Friday, 2 June 2025, the GOOD Party revealed that it had requested the Speaker of the City of Cape Town Council to urgently investigate the conduct of Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor Angus McKenzie.
Jonathan Cupido, GOOD party City of Cape Town Councillor and Caucus Whip, said the request for an urgent probe follows the “emergence of deeply disturbing video footage of Councillor McKenzie making gang-related hand signs, offensive gestures, and threatening motions within the Council Chamber”.
In the video, Councillor McKenzie is seen:
- Making hand signs associated with the 28s and 27s gangs,
- Showing a middle finger directed at opposition councillors,
- Performing a throat-slitting gesture twice, in a manner suggestive of a threat to the lives of fellow councillors.
“These actions are wholly unacceptable and stand in direct violation of both the Code of Conduct for Councillors and the Rules of Order for Council,” said Councillor Cupido.
The rules clearly state that councillors must:
- Act in good faith and in a manner that upholds the credibility and integrity of the municipality;
- Refrain from any behaviour that disrupts order or brings the Council into disrepute,
- Avoid conduct that threatens violence or undermines the dignity and decorum of Council proceedings.
Councillors are elected to serve their communities with professionalism, dignity, and integrity, said Councillor Cupido
The City of Cape Town faces serious challenges, including crime and extortion.
“It is deeply alarming that a senior councillor, who also chairs a sub-council, would display behaviour that not only disrespects the chamber but also evokes the violence that so many of our residents are working to escape,” said Councillor Cupido.
Councillor Cupido said the GOOD Party has therefore requested:
- A full investigation in terms of Section 16 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors;
- That appropriate disciplinary proceedings be initiated without delay.
“We call on the Speaker and the City to act swiftly and decisively,” Councillor Cupido.
“Failure to do so will send a dangerous message that intimidation, gang symbolism, and threats have a place in democratic governance.”
