Page 62 - LHR Motorcycle Magazine May 2024

The Western Cape province in South Africa has seen crime and social unrest. Additionally, bikers
a concerning trend of attacks and stoning incidents themselves can take precautions such as traveling in
targeting bikers, particularly in certain areas. These groups, avoiding high-risk areas, and staying vigilant
attacks can stem from various motivations, including to minimize the risk of attacks.
criminal activity, social tensions, or even opportunistic
vandalism. Let's break down some potential factors:

Crime: South Africa has struggled with high levels of
crime, including robbery and assault. Bikers may be
targeted for their motorcycles, which can be stolen
and sold for parts or used in other criminal activities.
Criminal gangs may also see bikers as easy targets
for robbery.
Social tensions: In some cases, attacks on bikers
may be driven by social tensions or conflicts within
communities. Bikers, especially those belonging to
specific groups or clubs, may be viewed unfavorably
by certain segments of society, leading to acts of
violence or vandalism.
Opportunistic vandalism: Some attacks on bikers
may be random acts of vandalism rather than targeted
assaults. In areas with high levels of unemployment or
social unrest, individuals may engage in destructive
behavior as a form of expression or frustration.
Gang activity: The Western Cape has also been
plagued by gang violence, with rival gangs vying for
control of territory and engaging in violent
confrontations. Bikers may inadvertently find
themselves caught in the crossfire of these conflicts.

To address these issues, it's essential for local
authorities to implement strategies aimed at improving
community safety, addressing social inequalities, and
cracking down on criminal activity. This may involve The latest incident took place two weeks ago when Ricardo Jacobs from Los
increased police patrols, community outreach Kinnes MCC was thrown with a brick while riding on Stellenbosch Arterial.
Picture: Supplied
programs, and efforts to address the root causes of