Fury after Rhodes Park killings
Security beefed up, says mayor Tau
THE HEARTACHE caused by the brutal death of Joburg teacher Zukisa Kela at Rhodes Park in Kensington has prompted several sectors of society to take a stand against crime.
The Westbury Secondary School teacher, his fiancé and another couple were attacked by a gang of 12 men at the park on Saturday evening. The men were tied up and thrown in the lake where they drowned.
The gang then proceeded to rape one of the women while the other escaped unharmed.
When news of the gruesome attack reached St James Preparatory School in neighbouring Jeppestown, they decided to take action.
As a form of protest, a group of children in Grade R as well as Grade 7 pupils stood on the pavement outside the school yesterday and held up placards which reflected anti-crime messages.
“Rhodes Park attack,” “Where is it really safe?” and “Where will the children play?” read the pupils’ posters, which attracted the attention of passersby and commuters on the busy road.
Wande Nduna, one of the pupils involved in the demonstration, said that the incident has left her enraged.
“It has hurt us and has affected the entire community,” she said.
“As youngsters, we don’t feel safe in our own neighbourhoods anymore.”
Her sentiments were echoed by fellow pupil Qamar Ngqawana, who said the crime ridden area has resulted in children becoming isolated.
“It’s so dangerous that we can’t play in the parks or go to the swimming pools. It has got to a stage where we only interact with our classmates and family members.”
As the St James pupils fight against crime and justice for Kela, the youngsters who he taught are still battling to cope with his death.
James Adams, the father of one of the pupils, said that his 13-year-old daughter has lost her appetite after hearing about Kela’s death.
“This broke me as a parent and as a human because the criminals have robbed our children of a humble teacher.”
Adams visited Rhodes Park yesterday and took pictures of the site to show it to his grieving daughter in a bid to bring her some closure.
Meanwhile, Kela’s relatives are still making funeral arrangements and awaiting the arrival of the deceased’s mother from the Eastern Cape.
His aunt Babalwa told The Star they want those responsible for his death to be brought to book.
“It is sad because we have lost a son,” she said.
“The law must take its course and find those who killed him.”
When The Star visited the park yesterday, two different security companies were patrolling the area.
Joburg mayor Parks Tau said measures had been taken to improve safety and security in public places.
“A partnership among safety and security stakeholders will be initiated immediately to root out criminal elements,” he said.