Angry residents of Mamelodi East took to the streets to protest against corruption and the Tshwane metro’s failure to deliver basic services.
The illegal march, which was accompanied by violence and crime, started on Monday night right through to Tuesday midday in various Mamelodi streets including Hans Strijdom Drive, Hector Peterson Street and Tshamaya Road.
Residents burnt tires and other items in the roads and looted nearby tuck shops.
At the corner of Hans Strijdom Drive and Hector Peterson Street, they also stopped and looted a truck, which was on its way to deliver stock to one of the outlets at Mahube centre.
The police, armed with rifles to fire rubber bullets, had to work hard to disperse the protesters.
The protesters ran away when rubber bullets were fired but within minutes stormed back again which made the police’s task extremely difficult.
Geelboy Sikhosana, a resident, says they want the land named Stoffel Park today, as the Tshwane metro promised to give it to them.
“There is a man with the name of Stoffel who is allegedly selling stands for R2 500 each at this land while we are waiting in vain to occupy it,” says Geelboy.
He accuses the metro of scheming behind their backs and working with people who sells stands.
Geelboy claimed the metro seems reluctant in taking actions against people occupying Stoffel Park,
“We protest because we realised they do not understand peaceful dialog,” he says.
In another issue, which is also part of the protest, he says people who were new in the area of Phumolong, occupying the area reserved for a train station, have been moved to RDP houses in Nellmapius.
“It is not fair for new people in Phumolong to get houses while there are people who have been without houses for years,” says Geelboy.
Absalom Boroto, a community leader, says residents want the minister of human settlement, Tokyo Sexwale, to come and see how unfairly the department of housing in the metro treats people.
“We do not want promises any more we want action,
“Children also joined in the march by because they are tied of sharing a room with their parents,” says Boroto.
Mamelodi West’s police spokesperson, Captain Johannes Maheso, who was at the scene confirmed that one of the state vehicles was damaged.
“Protestors threw stones at the police but none was injured,” says Capt Maheso.
Three people were arrested for public violence and will appear before the Mamelodi Magistrate’s Court soon.
Sizwe Mthethwa, ward 17’s councillor, says they will hold a meeting with relevant stakeholders including the metro, community leaders and provincial officials at Mamelodi East police station on Tuesday, with the aim of resolving the issue.
“We reached a point of mutual understanding and the situation has calmed down.
“We will brief residents about the issue to give them clarity and a way forward on Friday,” says Cllr Mthethwa.
However he revealed that the council is fighting a court order against Stoffel and blamed him of invading the land Stoffel Park for commercial purposes.
“The name of the area is not Stoffel Park, it is Extension 15 and belongs to the council,” says Cllr Mthethwa.
He says the area is reserved for development
Cllr Mthethwa acknowledged that there are people in the Phumong area who have to move to Nellmapius but says no one has move yet.
Mamelodi East Police spokesperson, Inspector Michael Mbewe, confirmed that Stoffel was arrest in December for fraud.
“Stoffel invaded the land last year,” says Insp Mbewe.
|