Diepsloot residents to march for safer streets every Thursday
Diepsloot residents say they will continue filling the streets and marching to the local police station every Thursday until they feel justice has been served.
“I am tired of illegal foreigners. We want the government to enforce the law because we deserve to feel safe in our own community.”
These were the words of Diepsloot resident Tholakele Nkwanyana, who joined hundreds of community members marching peacefully to the Diepsloot Police Station on July 16 to hand over a memorandum calling for urgent intervention to address crime, illegal firearms, drug-related activities, and undocumented foreign nationals living in the area.
Read more: Peaceful protest highlights Diepsloot’s call for safer streets
Nkwanyana said taking part in the march was the result of reaching a breaking point. The march marked the beginning of what residents say will become a weekly Thursday demonstration until authorities respond to their concerns.
Community organiser Jacob Shika said the initiative was driven by residents rather than any political party or organisation.
“The people of Diepsloot organised this march. It is not about one person or one organisation. The community came together because they have serious concerns that need to be addressed.”
The memorandum calls for lawful door-to-door operations involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the department of home affairs to verify immigration documentation where necessary.
Residents also call for stronger action against illegal firearm owners, intensified operations targeting drug dealers, and increased visible policing throughout the township.
Also read: Malawian shares his views on SA’s immigration challenge
Another resident, Sydney Morabe, said the community wants to work with law enforcement, rather than against it. “We don’t want to live in fear anymore. We are ready to work hand in hand with the police to make Diepsloot safe for everyone who lives here.”
Community representative Andrew Maleka, who submitted the memorandum, said residents would continue engaging with authorities until meaningful progress was made.
“This is not the last time we will be coming here. From now on, every Thursday we will come and engage until this matter is resolved. We want to work with the police and find solutions because Diepsloot is our home and we want it to be safe.”
Also read: Diepsloot residents march against undocumented immigration, demanding government action
Residents also requested that authorities provide feedback and a proposed action plan within 24 hours of receiving the memorandum, saying they wanted clear communication on how their concerns would be addressed.
Maleka said their marches have no form of violence at all, but rather are peaceful.
“People must understand that Diepsloot is a peaceful community. Today, we showed that we can march with dignity and respect without damaging property.
We are not here to create problems; we are here because we have grievances that need to be addressed through the correct channels.”
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