Residents of Soshanguve Block X where five children died in 2017 when a high mast light ring fell on them have complained of poor service delivery in their community.
Four children died instantly when the ring fell, while one died at Dr George Mukhari hospital in Ga-Rankuwa later.
The Tshwane metro later removed the high mast light but resident Dimakatso Bopape who lost two children in the tragedy thought the streetlights would replace the high mast lights to prevent crime in the area.
ALSO READ: Remembering victims of north high mast light tragedy
Bopape said crime in the area increased as there were no streetlights, “as criminals hide in the dark”.
“My mother was almost mugged on her way to work just outside the gate. Luckily, she managed to scream and came back into the house. We do report the incidents that happen in the area but no one gets held responsible,” said Bopape.
She said residents did not only complain about lack of streetlights but tarred roads as well.
“The government promised us tar roads and street lights but to this day we do not have those things,” she said.
“I thought after the high mast light incident, block X would be better,” said Bopape.
Ruth Mathebula (76) told Rekord that crime in the area was out of control. She said she and her two grandchildren did not feel safe in their home.
“We fear for our lives because we hear constant gunshots every day. I do not allow my grandchildren to play anywhere but in the yard, for there have been many incidents that still scare me even today,” said Mathebula.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Sosh residents fear more tragedy due to high mast lights
Thandeka Mgiwa said residents were yet to see proper service delivery in the area.
“I have stopped to participate in political campaigns in our area because I am very discouraged. We vote to live in a better place but nothing changes. The rate of crime is worse. Cable theft is an issue in block X,” said Mgiwa.
Another resident Tebogo Raseroka said: “I have been living in block X since 1993 and I applied for an RDP house but I did not get it, while some people got it after a short while. The service delivery of ward 27 is very poor, as our ward councillor does not fully get involved with community issues.”
Ward 27 councillor Mampho Rallele denied block X residents had complain to her. “All they do is make false accusations.”
Several attempts to reach Tshwane metro spokesperson Goitsemang Molaeng did not bear fruit.
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
