Locals are tired of drug dealers – DA
This is DA MP Manny de Freitas' views following the alleged brothel that was burnt in Rosettenville less than an hour after a robust march against drugs.
DA Member of Parliament for the South Manny de Freitas said locals burnt the alleged Rosettenville brothel because they were sick and tired of drugs and drug dealers in the South.
The house which was set alight on Friday, September 9, by an angry mob claiming they were tired of seeing police vans outside the house but no arrests being made. The fire left a group of alleged sex workers angry and out of property, valuables and identity documents.
Earlier that day, MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun, had convened in Rotunda Park with numerous learners, councillors, businesses, staff and other City of Johannesburg stakeholders to protest against drugs and drug dealings terrorising the South.
Moffatview police later released a statement discouraging the community from taking the law into their own hands and also encouraged locals to note down the registration numbers of any police vans suspected of not enforcing the law.
De Freitas said that although the burning of houses cannot be condoned, he can understand why people ended up taking action.
“The community is sick and tired of the drug dealing taking place in our areas while it appears that SAPS do little to fight the terrible scourge of drugs. The dreadfully negative impact that drugs have on our youth is devastating. Time and time again the community provides information on drug dealing and where it takes place yet the SAPS appear to ignore this information by not reacting to the information provided.
“The community is beyond frustrated and reaching a point of desperation. The burning of the building last month should be a warning sign to the police that they need to start acting against the prevalent drug activities in our neighbourhoods. Although I do not support such actions, I understand the frustration that people are feeling on the ground. Unless the police stop sitting on their hands, I fear that the community may well soon express their frustration again in another way,” said de Freitas.
The police spokesperson was asked for comment but at the time of going to press no comment was forthcoming.
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