Cape Town Councillor Caught on Camera Making Aggressive Gang Signs

Cape Town – There are growing concerns that the pervasive violent gang culture in the Western Cape may have permeated the Cape Town Council, following a councillor’s appearance in a video exhibiting threatening gestures associated with the notorious 28s and 27s gangs.

Gang activity in the Western Cape significantly contributes to escalating violence, particularly within Cape Town.

According to police statistics, from 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2024, there were 3,770 gang-related murders and 5,463 attempted gang-related murders documented in that period.

It seems that gang signs – hand signals and nonverbal communication – have now infiltrated the Council chambers of the Mother City.

On Friday, 2 June 2025, the GOOD Party called for an immediate investigation by the Speaker of the City of Cape Town Council into the actions of Democratic Alliance (DA) Councillor Angus McKenzie.

Jonathan Cupido, a GOOD Party Councillor and Caucus Whip for the City of Cape Town, stated that this request for an urgent probe follows the “emergence of alarming video footage showing Councillor McKenzie making gang-related hand signs, offensive gestures, and threatening movements within the Council Chamber.”

In the video, Councillor McKenzie is seen:

• Displaying hand signs associated with the 28s and 27s gangs,
• Giving a middle finger gesture aimed at opposing councillors,
• Executing a throat-slitting gesture twice, suggesting a threat to the lives of fellow councillors.

“These actions are wholly unacceptable and constitute a clear breach of both the Code of Conduct for Councillors and the Rules of Order for Council,” Councillor Cupido remarked.

The rules clearly stipulate that councillors must:

• Act in good faith and in a manner that upholds the credibility and integrity of the municipality;
• Avoid any behavior that disrupts order or damages the Council’s reputation,
• Steer clear of actions that threaten violence or undermine the dignity and decorum of Council proceedings.

Councillors are elected to represent their communities with professionalism, dignity, and integrity, asserted Councillor Cupido.

The City of Cape Town grapples with significant challenges, including crime and extortion.

“It is extremely worrying that a senior councillor, who also leads a sub-council, would display behavior that not only disrespects the chamber but also reflects the violence many residents are trying to flee from,” said Councillor Cupido.

Councillor Cupido added that the GOOD Party has therefore requested:

• A thorough investigation under Section 16 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors;
• Immediate initiation of appropriate disciplinary actions.

“We urge the Speaker and the City to respond swiftly and decisively,” Councillor Cupido concluded.

“Failure to act will signal a dangerous message that intimidation, gang symbolism, and threats have a place within democratic governance.”