The South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) has issued their side of the story in claims of a hostage situation in Regents Park three weeks ago.
DA Ward 57 Clr Faeeza Chame said she was held hostage during a housing development meeting at Regents Park Primary School where she intended to discuss the establishment of a housing committee for Ward 57 on November 4.
Chame said tempers flared during the meeting which was meant to address the interests of residents.
A few representatives from various parties including the MMC for housing came to the meeting.
According to the councillor, this did not sit well with some of the people attending the meeting and she said the meeting was disrupted because Sanco wants to be 100 per cent involved in the project.
“A fight broke out between Sanco, IFP and ANC members. They were chasing each other down South Road with bricks that were lying on the road,” said Chame.
Sanco, however, tells a different story.
In a statement Sanco said that during the exchange of ideas on the steering committee, the MMC for housing from the City of Johannesburg aggravated the situation which then resulted in bloodshed.
Their statement said: “Mr MMC for housing stood up and told all participants that he is not scared of them and that he will not be told what to do and how to do his work by the community in that meeting as if he was intoxicated.”
The meeting went south after IFP members tried to block a few community members and him from exiting.
Sanco said there were attempts to stop the disorder but a man was wounded during the conflict.
Simphiwe Hlafa, who had joined the meeting just shortly before it collapsed, intervened by politely asking all what was wrong, but was now physically assaulted.
Allegations of a firearm being drawn were made; however, the COURIER is still verifying the claim.
Sanco said criminal charges would be laid.
When Chame described the incident, she said the school’s gate was closed when she was held hostage.
She reiterated that the meetings were held to find solutions.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
