The army was called to Hanover Park on Saturday as hundreds of gatvol residents took to the streets to march against a group of skollies who went on a robbery spree last week.
The angry mob says they have had enough of the gun-wielding gangsters who hold them hostage and threaten anyone who lays criminal charges against them.
Tempers flared at Philippi Police Station on Saturday after cops arrested an elderly woman for allegedly assaulting the mother of a gangster during the march.
Rafiq Noordien, 37, says the community took a stand after several parents reported two members of the Americans gang to police for holding them up at gunpoint.
VICTIM: Dad of six Rafiq Noordien, 37. Picture: Leon Knipe
The carpenter and father of six says he was attacked by the two men in Downberg Road on Monday night while walking home from work.
“It was the two main ones and they had two other lookouts with them. They held me at gunpoint and stole my tools,” he says.
“They looked for a cellphone, but I did not have one and they tried to stab me.
“After the robbery, I tried to stop a police van but the cop just drove around me and I went to my family for help.
“The next day I spoke to my imam and I heard there were lots of cases against them. I reported it to police, but nothing happened.”
A religious leader, who asked not to be named, says a meeting was called with gang bosses on Thursday where they were given an ultimatum.
“Those two laaities are wanted for robbery and murder, but still walk around here untouched. They have been robbing everyone, including elderly people, and we told them we wanted the gang to hand them over to police but they failed to do so after agreeing.
“On Saturday, the community met again and went to them.”
FIGHT BACK: Gatvol Hanover Park residents demanded the arrest of two skollies terrorising community. Picture: Leon Knipe
Residents say the angry group approached the thugs in Howick and Lomond courts, but tempers flared when police arrived and arrested a 66-year-old woman.
Cluster standby officer, Colonel Dawood Laing, says the mother of a gang member alleged the ouma moered her during the march.
“But she (66-year-old) was released as there was insufficient evidence to charge her.
“There are armed robbery cases against the two suspects and we asked the community to help us compile the reports as the cases are still under investigation.”
TEMPERS FLARED: A 66-year-old woman, circled, was arrested for moering a skollie’s mom. Picture: Leon Knipe
Religious leaders are now calling on Police Minister, Bheki Cele, to intervene at Philippi Police Station.
“He must step in and deal with the officers at that station. If they had done their work, none of this would have happened.
“Look how fast they were to arrest that elderly woman, but cannot arrest the two who are wanted for robbery and murder.”
monique.duval@inl.co.za