Masi residents ride a wave of peace

A surfboard bearing the message “Ride the wave of peace in SA” was hoisted in Masiphumelele in memory of Amani Pula.

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Cape Town - A surfboard bearing the national flag and the message “ride the wave of peace in SA” was hoisted at the entrance of Masiphumelele in remembrance of the 15-year-old boy who was murdered in the area last month.

Amani Pula’s murder in his home had sparked a series of vigilante attacks in the area and increased calls for a police station.

Speaking to the Cape Argus after the incident, his uncle, Monde Pula, said he found his nephew’s lifeless body lying on the couch with his hands tied behind his back.

On Monday, African Surfriders Foundation’s Riaan Smith said Masiphumelele faced a myriad social problems.

“People need money in their pockets to eradicate some of the crime.”

Smith said surfing lessons would be ideal, but that, too, needed funding.

Nontembiso Madikane, who lives there, said: “We are happy that good things are coming out in the name of Amani.

“It helps create fond memories despite that horrific night.”

Another resident, Lesego Mmako said although the dreadful night had passed it had left a scar in the community.

“As parents we are in constant fear of what may be happening to our children when we are at work, we are scared.”

But the Pula family said they were not aware of the tribute.

“We want closure now. Each time people talk about Amani the wound re-opens.

“We want to close this chapter now.”

Amani’s death sparked fury among Masiphumelele’s residents.

The first reported act of vigilantism was in retaliation to Amani’s murder where a man was stoned to death.

The second incident was drug related. Two suspected drug dealers ignored a warning by the community to leave Masiphumelele.

One suspect was beaten and then shot dead and another was beaten then set alight, but was rushed to hospital.

The community said they resorted to taking the law into their own hands because there was a lack of police visibility.

Since then the police have been processing a way of giving residents their own police station - as they often have to travel to Ocean View police station for services.

Provincial police spokeswoman Brigadier Novela Potelwa said the city council and the police were working on finding permanent premises for a police station in Masiphumelele.

She said in the meantime they would be using a mobile community service centre (CSC) to service the area.

“The mobile CSC will be a short-term measure until a permanent structure for a satellite station has been acquired.

“The police in the province conducted a feasibility study in Masiphumelele that revealed a need for a satellite station due to the influx of people moving into the area.”

Nelisa Jange, a community development worker, said having a police station nearby would help her in her job.

“During weekends I get many cases where children are lost and then I need to either take the child to Ocean View or call and wait hours for a police van to pick the child up.”

Mmako said she hoped that crime would decrease in the area.

“It’s been years, we have always wanted our own station. I think crime fighting will be more effective in this community.”

zodidi.dano@inl.co.za

Cape Argus

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