The Johannesburg metro police department (JMPD) has rubbished claims of a group who have claimed they were linked to the JMPD in order to police Joburg streets. The group, who have dubbed themselves “security guards”, are alleged to have gone around Bree taxi rank to rid the streets of any ills by taking the law into their own hands.
The group have shot to notoriety after a man was critically wounded last week when a warlike scene between street vendors and the so-called security guards broke out.
Witnesses claim the group was seen confiscating some of the street vendors’ items. This resulted in the vendors fighting back and chaos ensued.
JMPD spokesperson Wayne Mienaar said the JMPD denied any links to the group. “The so-called security guards must be reported.”
He said the group did not work for or have any links to the JMPD and if anyone saw a JMPD officer with any of the so-called security guards, this must be reported.
A witness who took footage of the warlike scene said he was terrified after he heard three gunshots. He wasn’t sure where the shots were aimed at and hid in his stall until it was clear to move.
(Video courtesy of eNCA)
(Compiled by Gopolang Chawane)
For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.