Pagad's motorcade to combat crime in Bonteheuwel thwarted by police

Police stopped the People Against Gangsterism and Drugs (PAGAD) from holding its annual motorcade in Bonteheuwel, forcing organisers to abandon the event because they had no permission to gather.

The motorcade was meant to start at the Al-Jamaia Uthmania Masjied on Jakkalsvlei Avenue and move through the neighbourhood to rally community support against gangsterism and drugs.

Shortly before the motorcade was due to start, Captain Lauwrens met with PAGAD officials to inform them that they could not proceed, and said that the directive had come from "higher-ups."

Police and law enforcement blocked the convoy by positioning themselves around the area, leading PAGAD officials to hold meetings before deciding to cancel the motorcade.

PAGAD's national coordinator, Haroon Orrie said there was an urgent need for action, as spiralling crime rates have left vulnerable community members, including women and children, as prime targets for gangs.

“The community is being ravaged by criminals,” he said, adding that the organisation was disappointed with the police. 

“We have a responsibility to ensure the safety of mothers and children, and to act irresponsibly would be counterproductive,” he said, adding that the war against gangsterism and drugs will never end.

"We will come back with a better plan and strategy. We have given them our commitment that we will not stop fighting until every drug dealer and gangster surrenders. We are not here asking to remedy the problem, we are saying we want the complete eradication of gangsterism and drugs in our communities," he said.

"We will keep pressure on the government and police to eradicate drugs and gangsterism."

PAGAD Secretary Zazahrah Kriel expressed her frustration following the cancellation.

 “We expected this from the police. When we call for police support, they often do not arrive, but when PAGAD takes action, they show up.”

As the crowds began to disperse, some voiced their grievances loudly, blaming the police for inaction while children suffered due to drug abuse in the community. They demanded a more aggressive approach to tackling the drug epidemic that has claimed so many lives.