Hostile reception for Cele in Kliptown as residents call for his head
Updated | By Nokukhanya N Mntambo and Sibahle Motha
Angry residents in Kliptown are calling for Police Minister Bheki Cele to step down amid a series of clashes between local communities and undocumented migrants.
Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have seen a spate of attacks on foreign nationals in recent weeks, with communities calling for their deportation.
It's understood some of the latest attacks were sparked by the presence of Operation Dudula, which is advocating for the removal of illegal migrants and criminal elements from various communities.
One person was killed in Kliptown this week when members of the movement clashed with residents of an informal settlement in Kliptown.
It’s believed the clashes were sparked by accusations of cable theft.
Cele made his way to the community on Wednesday to visit the family of Kgomotso Diane.
While Cele paid his respects to the family, a large group had gathered outside the Diane home.
Operation Dudula leader Nhlanhla Lux Dlamini and media personality Penny Lebyane were among community members gathered outside the property in Zone 5, demanding that Cele to address their grievances.
#Kliptown Tensions are high outside Kgomotso Diane’s house in Pimville zone 5.
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) April 20, 2022
Diale was shot and killed in a confrontation with Chicken Farm residents.
Penny Lebyane and Operation Dudula’s Nhlanhla Lux are also present here. pic.twitter.com/jsLDV6ZTBK
"We don't need a minister of this nature,” said resident Daniel Colosi.
“We need a minister who's going to respond to the needs of our people, not a minister who's going to wait until casualties prevail for him to act. If he's going to do that, let Bheki Cele step down as a minister.”
Another resident Mohorony Molemahang added that the lack of capacity at the local police station has in turn affected service delivery.
"The cars are not enough so what we want is for Cele to do his best to supply the cars. These people are expecting us to vote for them but they're not looking after us," said Molemahang.
"Cele must do something better. I think he's older than 60 years, he must go on pension. Young people must try their luck and get the job."
More than two weeks ago, Cele was also tasked with quelling tensions in Alexandra and Diepsloot where community members called for more policing and resources.
#Kliptown An angry Pimville resident whose name is Daniel Colosi says Cele must step down immediately. pic.twitter.com/aSUMQnEoAY
— Jacaranda News (@JacaNews) April 20, 2022
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