Shops torched and demolished during Diepsloot protest
Several shops were burnt and demolished as tensions escalated during a community protest in Diepsloot.
On July 23, several shops were burnt and others demolished in Diepsloot as tensions escalated during a community protest.
Groups of residents gathered in different parts of the township, and some foreign owned businesses were among those affected. No injuries were reported.
Police arrived after the destruction had already taken place. Community members claimed there had been no engagement with law enforcement before the incidents.
Community leader Jacob Shika said residents believed they had exhausted other avenues and wanted authorities to take their concerns seriously.
“The community has been raising these issues for a long time. People feel they have not been heard, and today’s events reflect the frustration that has been building over time; all we wanted was the police to engage with us to show unity.”
Shika urged residents to remain calm and avoid further violence, adding that leaders would continue engaging with the relevant authorities.
Community representative Collen Motshweni said the protest was intended to highlight residents’ concerns, but acknowledged that the destruction of property reflected the level of frustration within the community.
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“We have been calling for intervention for a long time. The community wants its concerns to be addressed, and people are demanding action. We hope that the relevant authorities will now engage with us and find lasting solutions.
“The shops targeted today were the ones owned by the foreigners,” he claimed, “including the church that was demolished as well; we have been asking them to leave for far too long now.”
The incidents form part of ongoing community action in Diepsloot over issues including undocumented immigrants, employment opportunities, and service delivery.
Authorities had not yet confirmed the number of shops damaged at the time of publication. Police investigations are expected to continue to assess the extent of the damage.
At the time of publication, residents were heading to the police station to demand feedback on the memorandum they submitted.
The police’s comment will be published once received.
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