Pray for Crime and Violence in Nelson Mandela Bay -
Gangs
Purpose
The purpose of this page is to shed more light on gang violence in Nelson Mandela Bay, to provide guidelines for churches on how to assist communities, and to provide guidelines for prayer. Content will be updated and added over time.
Background
The Northern Areas of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) have long been plagued by entrenched gang activity. This region has seen gang violence escalate into a major driver of crime, including murders, shootings, drug trafficking, and extortion. Residents and officials describe a situation where gangs disrupt daily life, with violence spilling over into innocent bystanders, including children. To provide deeper context, below is a breakdown of the historical roots, causes, key gangs, impacts, and responses based on available data and reports. Nelson Mandela Bay tops South Africa's murder rate at 15.6 per 100,000 (July-September 2025), surpassing Cape Town (15.3) and Johannesburg (8.4).
Resources
- City Under Siege - Gang Violence and Criminal Governance in Nelson Mandela Bay (A Study by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Crime)
Abstract
The following is an abstract to the introduction of a report compiled by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime entitled “A City Under Siege - Gang violence and criminal governance in Nelson Mandela Bay”, published in November 2020.
“What is needed in Nelson Mandela Bay is a more coherent strategy to break the cycle of violence. There is no silver bullet, and policing on its own has proved unable to address the crisis of lost lives. What is required now is an overarching approach that includes socio-economic and infrastructure upgrading; the erosion of the barriers, both seen and unseen, that perpetuate the exclusion of marginalized communities in the city; the reversal of the cycle of criminal influence (including in the allocation of tenders) that has hollowed out effective governance in the municipal authorities; and the effective targeting of senior figures and management structures in criminal organizations by the police, as opposed to their harassing of low-level gang members. Unless such a strategy is followed, many more lives and livelihoods will be lost, and the implications will become even more serious for the city, leaving the problem to fester, driving away investment, and creating new cycles of violence that will become ever more difficult to contain.” The report proposes 5 strategic areas of intervention.”
The proposals address important issues but may oversimplify the solutions. It's essential to recognize that gang members earn their income through the criminal economy, which operates alongside the informal and formal economies. The criminal economy is much more extensive than many realize and provides income for hundreds, if not thousands, of "employees" along with their families. Solutions that do not offer alternatives to this economy are unlikely to resolve the underlying problems. It is unrealistic to assume that individuals will abandon their criminal activities simply because they are illegal. Therefore, effective solutions must take a holistic approach that goes far beyond merely stopping criminal behavior."
The proposals address important issues but may oversimplify the solutions. It's essential to recognize that gang members earn their income through the criminal economy, which operates alongside the informal and formal economies. The criminal economy is much more extensive than many realize and provides income for hundreds, if not thousands, of "employees" along with their families. Solutions that do not offer alternatives to this economy are unlikely to resolve the underlying problems. It is unrealistic to assume that individuals will abandon their criminal activities simply because they are illegal. Therefore, effective solutions must take a holistic approach that goes far beyond merely stopping criminal behavior.
Since the publication of the report, the situation in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) has shown little improvement, with gang violence remaining a persistent crisis. As of early 2026, residents describe the northern areas as "war zones," experiencing daily shootings and high murder rates. In response, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed in February 2026 to assist the police in addressing gang activity, extortion, and organized crime. Initially, this deployment did not include NMB, but it was later expanded to cover the area, with operations scheduled to continue until March 2027.
Extortion syndicates continue to demand protection fees, creating no-go zones and exploiting community vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, multimillion-rand crime-fighting technologies, such as gunshot detection systems, remain unused due to contract issues. Police acknowledge the difficulties in tracking extortion activities due to widespread underreporting, and many communities feel neglected despite national interventions. This situation emphasizes the report's warning that without comprehensive strategies, violence will continue to escalate, driving away investment and allowing criminal control to become more entrenched.
“What is needed in Nelson Mandela Bay is a more coherent strategy to break the cycle of violence. There is no silver bullet, and policing on its own has proved unable to address the crisis of lost lives. What is required now is an overarching approach that includes socio-economic and infrastructure upgrading; the erosion of the barriers, both seen and unseen, that perpetuate the exclusion of marginalized communities in the city; the reversal of the cycle of criminal influence (including in the allocation of tenders) that has hollowed out effective governance in the municipal authorities; and the effective targeting of senior figures and management structures in criminal organizations by the police, as opposed to their harassing of low-level gang members. Unless such a strategy is followed, many more lives and livelihoods will be lost, and the implications will become even more serious for the city, leaving the problem to fester, driving away investment, and creating new cycles of violence that will become ever more difficult to contain.” The report proposes 5 strategic areas of intervention.”
The proposals address important issues but may oversimplify the solutions. It's essential to recognize that gang members earn their income through the criminal economy, which operates alongside the informal and formal economies. The criminal economy is much more extensive than many realize and provides income for hundreds, if not thousands, of "employees" along with their families. Solutions that do not offer alternatives to this economy are unlikely to resolve the underlying problems. It is unrealistic to assume that individuals will abandon their criminal activities simply because they are illegal. Therefore, effective solutions must take a holistic approach that goes far beyond merely stopping criminal behavior."
The proposals address important issues but may oversimplify the solutions. It's essential to recognize that gang members earn their income through the criminal economy, which operates alongside the informal and formal economies. The criminal economy is much more extensive than many realize and provides income for hundreds, if not thousands, of "employees" along with their families. Solutions that do not offer alternatives to this economy are unlikely to resolve the underlying problems. It is unrealistic to assume that individuals will abandon their criminal activities simply because they are illegal. Therefore, effective solutions must take a holistic approach that goes far beyond merely stopping criminal behavior.
Since the publication of the report, the situation in Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) has shown little improvement, with gang violence remaining a persistent crisis. As of early 2026, residents describe the northern areas as "war zones," experiencing daily shootings and high murder rates. In response, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed in February 2026 to assist the police in addressing gang activity, extortion, and organized crime. Initially, this deployment did not include NMB, but it was later expanded to cover the area, with operations scheduled to continue until March 2027.
Extortion syndicates continue to demand protection fees, creating no-go zones and exploiting community vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, multimillion-rand crime-fighting technologies, such as gunshot detection systems, remain unused due to contract issues. Police acknowledge the difficulties in tracking extortion activities due to widespread underreporting, and many communities feel neglected despite national interventions. This situation emphasizes the report's warning that without comprehensive strategies, violence will continue to escalate, driving away investment and allowing criminal control to become more entrenched.
Download the Report here
- Report of the Portfolio Committee on Police on Referred Petition Related to Gang Violence in the Northern Areas Of Nelson Mandela Bay, Dated 21 May 2025
Abstract
"On 7 May 2025, the Portfolio Committee on Police received a presentation from Mr. Yusuf Cassim (MPL), Member of the Eastern Cape Provincial Legislature, that is based on his petition to Parliament. The presentation highlighted the persistent and escalating crisis of gang violence in the Northern Areas of Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. The presentation provided both statistical evidence and lived experiences of a community in distress, where violence has become routine and trust in policing structures is eroding."
Read the report here
Follow the Petition history here
Prayer Guidelines
Based on the recommendations for the five interventions from the report, we have created prayer requests for each of these intervention areas. More themes and requests will be added later.
A Sample Prayer:
Prayer Request: Heavenly Father, we pray for the leaders in national, provincial, and local government to unite in developing a clear, integrated plan to combat gangsterism in Nelson Mandela Bay. Grant them wisdom and humility to set aside political differences and work cooperatively for the upliftment of afflicted communities. May this plan be transparent, open for consultation, and subject to independent assessment, leading to improved lives for citizens in gang areas.
As Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Guide them with Your divine counsel, and let unity prevail as in Ephesians 4:3, "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." In Jesus' name, Amen.
2. Strategic Policing
This area emphasizes shifting from low-level arrests to targeting kingpings and using intelligence-led tactics to dismantle criminal structures without escalating violence.
A Sample Prayer
Lord, we intercede for the police force in Nelson Mandela Bay, asking for a shift toward strategic, innovative, and intelligent responses to gangs. Help them move beyond ineffective interventions and focus on arresting and prosecuting kingpins. Protect the communities from increased violence and bring lasting improvement.
Isaiah 11:2-3, "And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might," to endow officers with discernment and effectiveness. As in Romans 13:4, remind us that authorities are "God's servants for your good... an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." Strengthen their resolve to serve justly, in Your name, Amen.
3. Strengthen Efforts to Combat Police Corruption
This area calls for high-visibility crackdowns on collusion, rebuilding trust, and ensuring impunity ends to break violence cycles.
A sample Prayer
Gracious God, we pray against the corruption within the police that allows gangs to operate with impunity in Nelson Mandela Bay. Expose and root out corrupt officers, building confidence among the people in law enforcement. Install in them a fear of unrighteous conduct. Inspire dramatic actions to show zero tolerance for wrongdoing, turning talk into decisive steps.
Psalm 101:3-4 declares, "I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil." Purify the force, as in James 1:27, calling for "religion that is pure and undefiled before God... to keep oneself unstained from the world." Restore integrity and trust, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
4. Alleged Links Between Gangs and the Tender Process
This area involves probing criminal infiltration into municipal contracts, blacklisting implicated firms, and reforming procurement to prevent rent extraction.
A SamplePrayer
Father in Heaven, we seek Your justice in investigating the alleged ties between gang bosses and city tenders in Nelson Mandela Bay. Establish an independent probe to uncover any misuse of public resources, leading to the blacklisting of gang-aligned companies and a clean foundation for local administration.
Shine Your light on hidden dealings, as in Ephesians 5:11, "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." Grant investigators courage and impartiality, echoing Proverbs 21:15, "When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." May truth prevail and righteousness be restored, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
5. Providing Drug Treatment for the Most Marginalized
This area advocates expanding health-based programs, treatment centers, and referrals over arrests to reduce addiction-driven recruitment and violence.
A Sample Prayer
Merciful Lord, we pray for the marginalized in Nelson Mandela Bay's gang areas afflicted by drugs. Shift from punitive arrests to pragmatic, health-based approaches that keep users out of the criminal justice system. Increase investment in treatment centers and foster cooperation between police and health professionals to reduce drug impacts.
As in Matthew 9:12-13, Jesus said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick... For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." Bring healing and hope, drawing from Psalm 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Empower efforts to break cycles of addiction and violence, in Your compassionate name, Amen.
6. The Role of the Church
7. Resilient Communities
8. The Glory of God the Father Over our City
Visit our "Pray the News" page here
Based on the recommendations for the five interventions from the report, we have created prayer requests for each of these intervention areas. More themes and requests will be added later.
1. Strategic Response that includes High-Profile Leadership Across all Governmental Sectors.
This area focuses on creating an integrated plan across government levels, emphasizing public consultation, accountability, and addressing root causes like poverty and exclusion.
This area focuses on creating an integrated plan across government levels, emphasizing public consultation, accountability, and addressing root causes like poverty and exclusion.
- Lord, grant wisdom to leaders in Nelson Mandela Bay to develop a cohesive strategy against violence, as James 1:5 promises: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." May they seek Your guidance for sustainable solutions.
- Father, raise up high-profile leaders who fear You and pursue justice, inspired by Proverbs 11:14: "For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers." Help them collaborate effectively to break cycles of exclusion.
- God, empower authorities to include community voices in their plans, echoing Exodus 18:21: "Select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials." Let accountability prevail in every decision.
- Heavenly Father, address the root causes of poverty and marginalization through this strategy, as Deuteronomy 15:7 urges: "If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them." Open hearts to uplift the vulnerable.
- Lord, ensure independent evaluation of these efforts, drawing from Psalm 33:11: "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations." May human strategies align with Your eternal justice for lasting peace.
- Pray for the salvation of
A Sample Prayer:
Prayer Request: Heavenly Father, we pray for the leaders in national, provincial, and local government to unite in developing a clear, integrated plan to combat gangsterism in Nelson Mandela Bay. Grant them wisdom and humility to set aside political differences and work cooperatively for the upliftment of afflicted communities. May this plan be transparent, open for consultation, and subject to independent assessment, leading to improved lives for citizens in gang areas.
As Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." Guide them with Your divine counsel, and let unity prevail as in Ephesians 4:3, "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." In Jesus' name, Amen.
2. Strategic Policing
This area emphasizes shifting from low-level arrests to targeting kingpings and using intelligence-led tactics to dismantle criminal structures without escalating violence.
- God, equip police with strategic insight to focus on gang leaders, as Proverbs 21:1 states: "In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him." Direct their efforts toward true justice.
- Father, protect officers in their intelligence work, inspired by Psalm 91:11: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Shield them from harm as they dismantle violent networks.
- Lord, help policing avoid unnecessary escalation and misconduct, following Romans 13:4: "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulerskingpinsear the sword for no reason." Grant discernment to serve the community rightly.
- Heavenly Father, strengthen resolve against low-level harassment, as Micah 6:8 calls: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Balance justice with compassion.
- God, empower innovative tactics for lasting impact, echoing Isaiah 54:17: "No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you." Let truth prevail over criminal strongholds in the city.
A Sample Prayer
Lord, we intercede for the police force in Nelson Mandela Bay, asking for a shift toward strategic, innovative, and intelligent responses to gangs. Help them move beyond ineffective interventions and focus on arresting and prosecuting kingpins. Protect the communities from increased violence and bring lasting improvement.
Isaiah 11:2-3, "And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might," to endow officers with discernment and effectiveness. As in Romans 13:4, remind us that authorities are "God's servants for your good... an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer." Strengthen their resolve to serve justly, in Your name, Amen.
3. Strengthen Efforts to Combat Police Corruption
This area calls for high-visibility crackdowns on collusion, rebuilding trust, and ensuring impunity ends to break violence cycles.
- Lord, expose and root out corruption in the police, as Ephesians 5:11 instructs: "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Bring hidden sins to light for purification.
- Father, instill integrity in officers, inspired by Proverbs 10:9: "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." Protect the honest and convict the corrupt.
- God, rebuild community trust through righteous actions, following Psalm 37:6: "He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun." Let transparency heal divisions.
- Heavenly Father, strengthen anti-corruption measures, as 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear." Provide escape from compromise.
- Lord, end impunity that perpetuates violence, drawing from Numbers 32:23: "But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out." Ensure accountability restores order.
- Pray for the salvation of police men and women.
A sample Prayer
Gracious God, we pray against the corruption within the police that allows gangs to operate with impunity in Nelson Mandela Bay. Expose and root out corrupt officers, building confidence among the people in law enforcement. Install in them a fear of unrighteous conduct. Inspire dramatic actions to show zero tolerance for wrongdoing, turning talk into decisive steps.
Psalm 101:3-4 declares, "I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless. I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil." Purify the force, as in James 1:27, calling for "religion that is pure and undefiled before God... to keep oneself unstained from the world." Restore integrity and trust, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
4. Alleged Links Between Gangs and the Tender Process
This area involves probing criminal infiltration into municipal contracts, blacklisting implicated firms, and reforming procurement to prevent rent extraction.
- God, guide independent investigators to uncover truth in tender links, as John 8:32 declares: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Reveal hidden connections for freedom from exploitation.
- Father, expose gang influence in public funds, inspired by Psalm 139:23-24: "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." Purify governance structures.
- Lord, empower reforms to blacklist corrupt entities, following Proverbs 28:13: "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Grant mercy through honest accountability.
- Heavenly Father, prevent criminal rent extraction, as Amos 5:24 urges: "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" Let righteousness flow into every contract and decision.
- God, strengthen probes against manipulation, echoing Luke 12:2: "There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known." Bring all deceit into the open for healing.
- Pray for the salvation of gang memebers and leaders.
A SamplePrayer
Father in Heaven, we seek Your justice in investigating the alleged ties between gang bosses and city tenders in Nelson Mandela Bay. Establish an independent probe to uncover any misuse of public resources, leading to the blacklisting of gang-aligned companies and a clean foundation for local administration.
Shine Your light on hidden dealings, as in Ephesians 5:11, "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them." Grant investigators courage and impartiality, echoing Proverbs 21:15, "When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." May truth prevail and righteousness be restored, in the name of Jesus, Amen.
5. Providing Drug Treatment for the Most Marginalized
This area advocates expanding health-based programs, treatment centers, and referrals over arrests to reduce addiction-driven recruitment and violence.
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Lord, expand drug treatment for the marginalized, as Isaiah 61:1 proclaims: "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives." Set addicts free through care.
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Father, provide healing resources, inspired by James 5:15: "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." Restore lives broken by dependency.
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God, shift focus from arrests to referrals, following Matthew 9:12: "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick." Extend compassion to those ensnared in addiction.
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Heavenly Father, reduce recruitment through treatment, as Psalm 34:18 assures: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Draw near to the vulnerable and uplift them.
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Lord, build more centers for recovery, echoing 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" Transform lives from despair to hope in Nelson Mandela Bay.
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Pray for the deliverance, healing, and salvation for those dependent on drugs.
A Sample Prayer
Merciful Lord, we pray for the marginalized in Nelson Mandela Bay's gang areas afflicted by drugs. Shift from punitive arrests to pragmatic, health-based approaches that keep users out of the criminal justice system. Increase investment in treatment centers and foster cooperation between police and health professionals to reduce drug impacts.
As in Matthew 9:12-13, Jesus said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick... For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." Bring healing and hope, drawing from Psalm 147:3, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." Empower efforts to break cycles of addiction and violence, in Your compassionate name, Amen.
6. The Role of the Church
- Moral and Spiritual Guidance. Moral RegenerationLord, empower churches in Nelson Mandela Bay to provide moral and spiritual guidance, countering violence with Your truth and fostering personal transformation among the youth and communities. As Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us, "You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world," may these congregations shine brightly to regenerate hearts and restore ethical foundations in areas plagued by gangsterism.
- Mediation, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Resolution. Father, equip church leaders to mediate between rival gangs and gang leaders and facilitate peacebuilding efforts, hosting dialogues and prayer services that lead to reconciliation and truces. Inspired by Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," grant them wisdom and courage to resolve conflicts and promote harmony in turbulent neighborhoods.
- Support Services and Safe Havens. God, strengthen churches to offer support services like food aid, counseling, and safe havens for victims and former gang members, addressing poverty and trauma with compassionate care. Drawing from James 1:27, "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress," help them fill the voids left by societal failures and provide refuge for the vulnerable.
- Youth Empowerment and Prevention Programs. Heavenly Father, inspire churches to empower youth through mentorship, skills training, and prevention programs that offer alternatives to gang life and build resilience. As Proverbs 22:6 instructs, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it," enable these initiatives to guide young people toward positive paths and away from violence.
- Advocacy, Collaboration, and Community Mobilization. Lord, mobilize churches to advocate for justice, collaborate with authorities, and rally communities against corruption and violence, holding leaders accountable through united efforts. Echoing Micah 6:8, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God," empower them to speak up and drive holistic change in Nelson Mandela Bay.
7. Resilient Communities
8. The Glory of God the Father Over our City
Visit our "Pray the News" page here