Notorious gangs turn into modern-day Robin Hoods in poor Cape Town area

Preston's new face mask is emblazoned with the stars and stripes of the US flag. While protecting him from the coronavirus, it would normally also put him in danger in Manenberg, one of a number of violent and poor neighbourhoods on the outskirts of Cape Town known as the Cape Flats.

The mask's colours identify Preston as a member of the Americans, a criminal gang usually unwelcome on the tur f of the rival Hard Livings gang. "They'd shoot me," the 35-year-old says with what appears to be a smile, his eyes crinkling.

But today, he's working side-by-side with other notorious gang members to deliver bread, flour and vegetables to poor families who are struggling during South Africa's coronavirus lockdown, which has closed industries and lef t many in Manenberg without work.

Preston stands in a courtyard with the other gang members amid an unlikely truce, bowing his head as Danny, a senior member of the Hard Livings, says a prayer. Caps are removed and tattooed arms are held behind backs. "We (the gangs) did decide to work together to help," Danny said. "And we have got no problem (with each other), you see. No problem." The project was started by Andie Steele-Smith, an Australian known as the "gang pastor." They ride in the back of his pickup truck and trailer, leaping off to carry items to homes and soup kitchens.

Steele-Smith said that "as soon as these guys were given an opportunity to do something good, they grabbed the opportunity with both hands and are just wringing it for everything they can." The gangs also benefit, getting some food as well as the chance to stay relevant in tough times. They also seem to enjoy the role of modern-day Robin Hoods.

One who doesn't think much of their good deeds is J.P. Smith, who works in the mayor's office of Cape Town in charge of safety and security. He says their real business is murder, extortion, trafficking in drugs and guns, protection rackets and corrupting police and judges, noting there were 900 gang-related killings in Cape Town area last year.

"None of that goes away because the gangsters suddenly pretend to do something nice," Smith said. "The trauma they've inflicted on communities for decades won't be forgotten for a couple of loaves of bread."

An attempted truce has accompanied the food distribution, and Smith said police have reported a decrease in trouble in Manenberg in recent weeks.

But the grim reality is still evident. Despite its beauty, Cape Town was ranked last year as the 11th most-dangerous city in the world.

The neighborhood was created by South Africa's apartheid government in the 1960s as a dumping ground for poor non-whites who were evicted from Cape Town's prime land. Steele-Smith describes it as "forgotten" and lacking hope.