Johannesburg’s Oldest Informal Settlement Erupts Over Police Inaction
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Published by Everything ZA News
CORONATIONVILLE, Johannesburg – Frustration is boiling over in Slovo Park, one of Johannesburg’s oldest informal settlements. Residents, for years accustomed to a peaceful existence, say they are now under siege by brazen criminals who operate with impunity.
Located just kilometers from the city center, Slovo Park’s over 3,000 residents paint a grim picture of a community transformed. What was once a haven has morphed into a breeding ground for criminal activity, they claim.
“We’re pleading with them [police],” says Tuelo Modirwa, a community leader. “There’s a lot of criminal activity. People are getting robbed at gunpoint, even killed. But the police tell us they can’t access the area. What kind of police officer says that?”
Modirwa expresses a growing sentiment of helplessness. Dozens of cases have reportedly been filed at the Brixton police station, seemingly to no avail.
“We’re tired,” Modirwa continues. “Over 40 residents have complained about ignored cases, some very serious. The police station just doesn’t seem interested.”
Thabani Zulu, a resident, recounts his own ordeal of being robbed twice by the same group within three months. Fear now dictates his daily routine.
“It’s sickening,” Zulu says. “The police aren’t doing their jobs. They’re making things worse. We can’t even go to work early anymore. It’s a constant fear of being attacked or even killed.”
ActionSA councilor Edwin Ntshidi acknowledges the community’s plight. They’ve implemented community patrols to deter crime, but frustration with the police remains high.
“We suspect corruption at the Brixton station,” Ntshidi says. “Residents report crimes, but nothing happens. We urge the Police Minister and Commissioner to intervene. These officers are failing the community.”
Calls to the Brixton police station for comment have yet to be returned. With tensions rising, Slovo Park residents wait to see if their pleas for safety will finally be heard.
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