VANDERBIJLPARK – A group of residents from Becquerel, Vanderbijlpark, took to the streets on Friday, August 25th.
The march, which was joined by various law enforcement agencies, the Community Safety Department, and leaders from the ANC Women’s League, sought to address the escalating issues of crime, prostitution, drug trade, and the occupancy of hijacked buildings that have been plaguing the neighborhood.
With placards bearing slogans like “Stop killing women and children” and “real men protect women and children 265 days,” the marchers braved the chilly weather to voice their concerns and demand concrete actions from the authorities.
Becquerel, once known for its peaceful atmosphere, has recently been grappling with a surge in criminal activities that have left its residents feeling unsafe and vulnerable.
The prominent issues that prompted this show of solidarity include the rampant prostitution, which has been causing distress among families and disrupting the fabric of the community.
Additionally, hijacked buildings have become notorious hubs for criminal operations, further exacerbating the security situation in the area.
The sale of illicit drugs has also been on the rise, posing a serious threat to the well-being of young residents.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster during the march, a concerned resident, Ntsikoe Mofokeng said “We protesting over ill activities happening in our area including drugs, burglary, mugging, prostitution, hijacking of buildings and flats. We want to rest those grievances and make sure that we are reclaiming our area and streets. We making sure that our children are growing in a safe environment.”
“We want to see police working together with residents and making sure that arrest those involved in illegal activities. We want to see them raiding flats, arresting illegal undocumented foreign because they are the biggest crime committers merely because they can’t be traced,” he said.
Mofokeng further added that illegal gatherings are giving residents grieve.
“We can’t send children to shops because of illegal gatherings. Our people are living in fear,” he said.
Vanderbijlpark Visible Policing Commander Colonel Van Wyk received the memorandum of grievances and gave a word of commitment to revert back to the community in response to the demands.
“On behalf of Vanderbijlpark SAPS, I received this memorandum handed over to us by residents of CW2. We commit ourselves to the demands made in this memorandum. We will also respond to the role plays,” he said.
