Home News Youths extort money from motorists at barricaded roads

Youths extort money from motorists at barricaded roads

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City motorists were asked to pay a R5 or R10 fee in order to pass through the barricade

A barricaded road in Roodepan. Picture: Danie van der Lith

WHILE residents in Roodepan protested against the conditions they are being forced to live under, boys as young as nine used the opportunity to extort money from motorists at barricaded roads.

Several groups of youths were seen in Seleke Street and at different points in Barkly Road where motorists were intimidated.

The children, who indicated that they did not go to school due to the protests, took over after the initial protesters left.

Residents of Lethabo Park, White City, Gregory Park and Ivory Park continued with their protest action yesterday after their houses and shacks were left flooded after the latest rains.

Motorists were asked to pay a R5 or R10 fee in order to pass through the barricade. Some motorists refused to pay and simply ignored the barricade, putting the lives of the children in danger and damaging their vehicles.

One frustrated motorist was seen speeding over a robot when they tried to prevent him from passing without paying. An angry mob later chased the vehicle and pelted it with stones.

Greenpoint protesters plan to march to the office of the Sol Plaatje executive mayor, Patrick Mabilo, today. On Thursday they blocked the N8 before being dispersed by the police.

They are demanding that Mabilo, officials from Ekapa Mine and the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta), Bentley Vass, address them.

One community member said they wanted answers as to why Ekapa Mine had allocated land for housing, but the municipality is not saying what the land will be used for.

Other concerns raised include a flood water trench, the areas poor water drainage system and refuse collection.

Mabilo, along with mayoral committee members and the acting municipal manager, Boy Dhluwayo, managed to visit Greenpoint yesterday, where he apparently engaged with the community and embarked on a walkabout before receiving a memorandum.

The spokesperson for the Office of the Mayor, Persome Oliphant, promised that ongoing discussions and engagements with the community will continue.

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