Sunday Tribune

‘There’s no racial tension in Phoenix’

TASCHICA PILLAY taschica.pillay@inl.co.za

A GROUP of Phoenix community members are embarking on a peaceful gathering today with the #All Lives Matter hashtag.

Residents of all races are called to join in a peaceful stand against the attacks on residents of Phoenix.

The group will be gathering at the Rydalvale Grounds at 9am where they will share their stories and plan to hand over a memorandum to the Phoenix police station commander.

This after reports of vigilantism and a lack of police presence stoked racial tension in the area during the civil unrest three weeks ago. Suspected looters were allegedly shot by residents manning barricades that were meant to prevent looters from invading homes and businesses in Phoenix. Some residents from the neighbouring Bhambayi, Amaoti and Zwelisha areas were reported to have also responded with violence.

According to a flyer, the group said they were tired of being labelled murderers and killers for standing up against terrorist looters and criminals.

“We are united regardless of colour or creed. We join together against fake news, abusive social media posts and false news broadcasts that incite racial tension. We call on the government and police service to ensure our safety and security. Ubuntu lives here in Phoenix.”

Seelan Nair, a community member who is part of the group spearheading the initiative, said they were sympathising with the families who lost their loved ones during the unrest.

“This is a peaceful initiative. We are saying all lives matter. We are not picking on colour or creed. Social media has played a role by creating an image of racial tension and divide in Phoenix. There is no racial tension in Phoenix. It’s people out of Phoenix who are making the community look bad,” said Nair.

Nair said they were calling on the police to do their job and bring to justice where justice needs to be served.

“There are reports that 20 lives were taken. We are asking police to identify where those lives were taken and to address those communities. People in Phoenix are being harassed by police and the army. We are therefore asking police to intervene and not harshly harass community members,” he said.

METRO

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2021-08-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-08-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytribune.pressreader.com/article/281676847952276

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