Booysens Park residents protest over increase crime

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Residents of Booysens Park in Gqeberha braved the inclement weather and took to the streets, calling for more police visibility in the gang-infested area.

The angry crowd blockaded the busy Old Uitenhage Road. They claim the Chatty Police Station which serves their community is understaffed.

The residents say there’s been a spate of unsolved break-ins and murders in the area. They are calling for Police Minister Bheki Cele to intervene.

Police used stun grenades to disperse the crowd and three people were arrested for public violence during the protest. A meeting between police and the community is currently underway.

Community member, Ncedisa Memani says, “We are tired of the murders, that is why it was necessary for us to have this protest. Our councillor has had no action about this, we are on our own, so we told ourselves that we will do it on our own.”

Resident, Ndimphiwe Mnyanda says even after engaging with the police on several occasions there has been no solution.

“There are no police, the police station closes at 6pm, there is nothing we can do, we have engaged with them several times yet there is no solution. We have had enough of how we are being treated.” -Reporting by Nandipha Plaatjie