How coronavirus inspired a gangland truce in South Africa

An unprecedented truce has broken out in the notorious, crime-infested townships around Cape Town, as rival gang leaders stop their turf wars to bring food to households.

With South Africa in the middle of a lockdown, many people in poor communities are struggling to buy the goods that they need.

A virus and a nationwide emergency may have achieved what the police and the army have failed to do here.

Instead of selling drugs and robbing people, rival gangs are bagging up food supplies for hungry families. There is relief here for sure that a ceasefire has taken hold during the lockdown.

But it is hard to tell what people here really think about the men who have terrorised their neighbourhoods for decades - and the authorities are sceptical.

The temporary ceasefire offers the slither of a hope that the virus will bring lasting change to some of the most dangerous streets in the world.