Unrest erupted in Diepsloot after the bodies of two men were discovered in the early hours of 13 August. A police statement stressed that, while the motive for the murders had not yet been established, police were working with community members to ensure the speedy arrest of suspects.
By evening, several community members had taken the matter into their own hands. Suspecting the murders were related to substance abuse, the crowd handed an alleged nyaope dealer to police for questioning, but no lead could be gained from this individual.
Meanwhile, an angry group of 150 to 200 residents marched to the police station, demanding the release of members who they claimed had been arrested after handing over the alleged drug dealer. A subsequent meeting between Diepsloot police and concerned march leaders established that no such arrests had been made.
“In fact, during this meeting, one of the members of the community, who was allegedly ‘arrested’ by the police, walked into the meeting,” said police spokesperson Warrant Officer Daniel Mavibela. “He confirmed that neither himself, nor other people who handed the nyaope suspect to the police, were arrested.”
The crowd subsequently appeared to disperse, but later barricaded William Nicol Drive and two other streets. In addition, scrap metal, gold and diamond exchange outlets, allegedly operating illegally from local residential yards, were damaged in the unrest. The community reportedly suspects these outlets of contributing to the scourge of substance abuse.
After police intervention restored calm to the area, Mavibela urged community members to report incidents of crime, and to discourage illegal operations.
Proportional representative councillor for the DA in Diepsloot, Refilwe Mathebula, believes that more frequent police patrols in the township in the early morning and the evening might help reduce violent crimes, such as the one that sparked the recent chaos.
“I think it will be wise for the people to look at the facts before bursting into action,” Mathebula added. “The community needs to work together, not against each other.”
Details: Anyone with information should contact the police hotline number, 086000 10111 or SMS Crime Line on 32211.
