Motorists in Vasco Da Gama Street and 15th Avenue had to use other alternative routes on Tuesday morning 3 September after residents of Kwavezunyawo settlements closed the roads with rocks and burning tyres in a protest against and service delivery in the area.
According to Alexandra Sector 1 Community Policing Forum (CPF) deputy chairperson Aaron Malepe, the protest was sparked by the death of a man who was killed in his house on Monday morning by a group of unknown people as well as lack of service delivery
“Community members decided to blockade the roads because they are not happy with the way the police operate in the area. In the past few weeks, three people have been killed but no one has been arrested. On Monday morning another person was killed in his house by a group of unknown men who also took his plasma TV and other belongings,” Malepe said.
“Service delivery and issues of houses were among issues that community members raised during their protest.”
Malepe added that CPF members and some of the community leaders have met with Bramley Police Station Commander Brigadier Colonel Owen King on Wednesday 5 September to inform him about the community’s grievances. “In our meeting with the station commander, we presented issues raised by the aggrieved community of Kwavezunyawo and he promised us that something will be done to address the issue of crime in the area. With regards to service delivery, a task team will be put in place to take residents issues to the City.”
Bramley Police Station spokesperson Captain Molefe Mogodi was approached for comment, but nothing was received by the time of going to press.