Gupta security guards instil fear in Saxonwold neighbourhood
SAXONWOLD – Security guards stationed outside the Gupta compound instil fear in a neighbouring resident who previously enjoyed jogging and walking her dogs in the area with her children.
The security guards who patrol outside the Gupta Saxonwold compound are petrifying a neighbouring resident and her family.
She contacted the Rosebank Killarney Gazette with her concerns and has become so fearful that she requested to remain anonymous for her own safety. “We live in the next street and on Easter Friday, we took a family stroll around the block,” said the resident. “We had our dogs on leads and my son was riding his bike. We came face to face around the corner with five heavily armed guards. They were armed with rifles and had bullets stored in their bulletproof vests.”
The resident explained that upon receiving a shock, she ushered her son and hurried along quickly. “We were pretty nervous and our son was very upset at coming across these men suddenly and without warning.” On 20 April, the resident decided to take one of her dogs for a stroll. “I literally almost bumped into the one guard as I turned the corner. I do not see any advertising on their vests so I cannot say what company they work for. They all glared at me in a suspicious way making me feel extremely uncomfortable.”
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She goes on to explain that one guard was holding his gun in a tactical response position and pacing the premises. “I had to cross the street and started a quick jog with my dog. Needless to say, I am absolutely furious that there are five heavily armed guards on the street where we as residents [used to] enjoy lovely walks. Is this actually legal?” the resident asked.
“Surely if they are concerned for their safety they can keep the guards inside on their property, not outside on a public street scaring the daylights out of passers-by. Thanks to them my children do not want to ride their bikes anywhere in the area anymore.”
This is not the first time that the private security stationed outside the Gupta compound has angered local citizens. Earlier in April, DA member Ghaleb Cachalia was involved in a heated banter with a security guard outside the Gupta compound whilst attempting to disseminate tension.
If you are a resident in the Saxonwold area and have had similar encounters and concerns about the security guards patrolling the Gupta compound, share your thoughts with the Rosebank Killarney Gazette by emailing us on rkg@caxton.co.za
