March against crime

YOUTH Day is about celebrating the freedom and opportunities all youth now enjoy.

However, the community of Phoenix will spend Friday marching against drugs and increasing rates of crime.

Representatives of school governing bodies, religious organisations, NGOs, sporting associations and residents have one clear message: enough is enough.

The march will be led by DA ward 48 councillor, Bradley Singh.

A memorandum of demands, said Singh, would be handed to a representative for the MEC for Safety and Security or a station commander at the Phoenix police station.

“We want the relevant authorities to take a stand and make a difference in the community. We want to see them closing down all drug dens.”

The councillor, whose ward includes Greenbury, Stonebridge, Clayfield, Rockford, Southgate, Centenary Park, Campbellstown and Industrial Park, said residents would meet at the Chartford Grounds at 9am and march to the police station.

“The route is only 1.1km and will take approximately 15 minutes. This is a legal march and all necessary applications have been made to the relevant law enforcement authorities.

“It’s time for the community to stand together, and we urge them to support this march to protect our children from drugs and drug lords.”

Singh said families were being torn apart due drugs being sold in their area.

“The youth who have taken to drugs drop out of school and instead of seeking employment, turn to crime to feed their habit.”

He said crime was at an all-time high in the area.