SHUTDOWN threat for Gauteng – protesters block major highway

Residents in the settlement of Diepsloot have threatened a complete shutdown in the local area, unless something is done about soaring levels of crime. The Gauteng hot-spot has been besieged by violence recently, and the shooting of a local pastor last week has only inflamed tensions.

Crime-ridden Gauteng region threatened by a SHUTDOWN

Scores of protesters have taken to the streets on Thursday. They are furious with the lack of police intervention within the walls of their community. Police Minister Bheki Cele had visited the region earlier this year – but residents say things have only got WORSE since then.

A handful of demonstrators are camped outside of the Diepsloot Police Station. They are demanding an audience with Cyril Ramaphosa. One community leader says that the protests will continue until the president makes an appearance.

Traffic disruption on N14 a sign of ‘sorry state’ in Diepsloot

Earlier in the day, the civil unrest spilled onto the N14 highway. Burning tyres and rubble were strewn across the tarmac, creating a localised traffic nightmare. The blockage has since been cleared, but more disruption around Diepsloot is expected over the next few days.

Residents have gathered outside #Diepsloot police station where they are demanding President Cyril Ramaphosa meet with them. They say until the president arrives they will shut down the station pic.twitter.com/V5olAfQuaG

— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) October 20, 2022

Diepsloot, Gauteng: A community on the edge?

Earlier this month, the residents of Diespsloot elected to put up a fence at one of its main entrances, in an outlandish bid to prevent crooks from entering their neighbourhood. The fury felt by gatvol locals is growing by the day, and recent events have only stirred the pot further.

A pastor at a church in Diepsloot was gunned down, after an armed gang invaded his church and opened fire. According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the incident occurred on Friday just before midnight – and it has left a sour taste in many, many mouths.

• You can read more about the murder here