By: Natasha Archary and Pitso Molemane

Diepsloot residents have vowed to continue protest action until President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the community’s grievances and concerns.
Angry Diepsloot residents started protests on Monday, 19 June, after a 14-year old and a former Community Policing Forum Chairperson were shot and killed last week.
The community defied an agreement to suspend protests pending a meeting between their leaders and the Office of the President.
On Wednesday, 21 June, Diepsloot residents said they will be extending their protests until Monday, 26 June because they are tired of illegal foreigners driving up the crime rate in the area.
Six community members were arrested on Wednesday, which further aggravated the community who intensified their protests, burning tyres and rocks on the N14.
Meanwhile, the Office of the President has reportedly agreed to Cyril Ramaphosa visiting the community.
This after Diepsloot community leaders met with the Deputy Director in the Presidency, Matsietsi Mekoa, at the Union Buildings on Wednesday afternoon.
According to Kaya News reporter, Pitso Molemane, the President’s office has established a team consisting of 4 ministers.
Last year mob justice in Diepsloot claimed the life of a Zimbabwean national, Elvis Nyathi, who was accused of criminal activity by the community.
A group from the community allegedly stormed the Nyathi’s home, stoning him before setting him alight.
At the time residents were protesting against the lack of policing and crime which they claim goes unnoticed by officials.
In April 2022, 7 people were murdered in Diepsloot over the weekend, sparking the unrest.
Community members shared with Kaya News that they are growing tired of Police Minister, Bheki Cele’s ’empty promises.’
“Police come here and for a few days they are patrolling and everything is fine, but then they start accepting bribes and they ignore what is happening.
Foreigners are committing crimes, they are raping our women in shacks, killing, stealing. The crime is too much.”
One Diepsloot community member shared
Community leaders in Diepsloot have welcomed the deployment of additional police to help combat crime.#KayaNews #Diepsloot NR. pic.twitter.com/AtH0fujeYN
— Kaya 959 News (@KayaNews) June 22, 2023
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