leon myo used to head the mongols one of the most feared gangs in this city. i know now most of the people don't have financial worries and start something. that's why. the slogan on his t. shirt says the harder you fall a stronger you rise it could describe meyer's own life he was behind bars for 18 years for crimes including a marja conviction this area the cape flats has a reputation for organized crime and drug trafficking cape town she's an average of 8 murders every day but lockdown has led to a drop in gang warfare according to a local pastor. there's a resigned and a mother of 4 says leon meyer has become a symbol of hope in the area since the last time she used up a welfare payments halfway through the month unemployment is rife here. it's the 4th year. people like us and our neighbors to our people. and. we don't get support that anything that only. put it. up. and support the community is good. but criminologist dawn pena is convinced gang members have an ulterior motive for helping out their community. gangs in my experience seldom do anything for