As tensions continue to rise in the Westbury neighbourhood, police fired rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse protesters who are fed up with gangsterism, senseless shootings and other crimes in the area.
Innocent lives are at risk and the area has become unsafe for those that live in it. We spoke to the two ward councillors who share the Westbury community.
Ward 82 councillor, Susan Stewart said, “I am devastated about what’s happening in this community. Residents are being shot at.
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“I’m not certain that such drastic measures are necessary. When I was at the Sophiatown Police Station on Friday, I was among the community when gunshots were fired through the crowd.”
“We all had to run for our lives. Bullets flew past my head. It was awful. The community was not violent in my view at the time. Some people were throwing things at the caspers and one person broke the mirror on the casper but I believe shooting at people was not the best course of action.”
“The community is requesting Police Minister Bheki Cele to come and address them. Everyone is angry and hurt about what’s going on in Westbury and the situation should get the attention it deserves.”
Ward 69 councillor, Genevieve Sherman, said that the situation is very serious at the moment.
“I was there this morning but had to leave when the protest turned violent. In my opinion, residents were peaceful but were provoked by the South African Police Service who fired rubber bullets for no reason,” explained Sherman.
We are still waiting on comment from Jerbes de Bruyn, the communication officer of Sophiatown Police Station.
Find all the articles below:
1. Tensions Rise at Westbury residents’ Protest [https://bit.ly/2xOGFd1]
2. #Westbury protest seems to be escalating in mob justice situation [https://bit.ly/2DKn3Ms]
3. 2 suspects arrested: MEC outraged by gangsterism in Westbury [https://bit.ly/2RfjLmV]
4. MMC Sun sends condolences following shooting of Westbury woman [https://bit.ly/2IttTo5]
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