Rival Gangs Stop Their War to Help the Community in Corona Times

South Africa’s COVID-19 lockdown measures have left many in Cape Town struggling to buy the goods they need. But in an unprecedented twist, two rival gangs stopped their war – and joined forces to distribute essential food and supplies to the hungry community.

Pastor Andie Steel-Smith, who works with gang members, saw an opportunity when two gang leaders approached him asking for food, coming up with a plan that would help not only keep the community fed, but provide hope and purpose as a result of the gangs’ unexpected truce.

“I just thought if [the two gang leaders] are starving and they are at the top of the food chain, the rest of the community is going to be in serious, serious strife,” says Steele-Smith to BBC. “What we’re seeing happen here is literally a miracle.”

“In these times all of us stand together,” adds Rashaadt Williams, a member of the community that’s welcomed the changes the gangs made from committing violent crimes to putting their differences aside and working together to help those in need.