Criminals have become role models: ANCYL

The ANC Youth League has called on people to stand up against crime and take control of their streets.

"We cannot remain silent anymore," African National Congress Youth League Gauteng chairman Matome Chiloane said on Tuesday.

"This is too much. We can't stay in a society when your brother and sister leave the house and you're not sure they will come back."

He was speaking during a residents' meeting at the Vosloorus civic centre, on the East Rand, to discuss crime. Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates captain Senzo Meyiwa was killed in the area last Sunday, while visiting his singer and actress girlfriend Kelly Khumalo. Two people allegedly entered the house, demanded cellphones, and shot Meyiwa before fleeing.

Meyiwa was buried in Durban over the weekend.

Chiloane called on residents to stop protecting criminals.

"These criminals are most of the time protected by us community members. We harbour them. They kill for cellphones, wallets, and even cars. This is a society we have become accustomed to. Criminals have become role models. Even when they hurt us, we continue to protect them," he said.

"We need to organise ourselves if we are to combat this. Criminals are very organised, they just don't strike. As communities we need to come together."

Deputy Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Bheki Cele was greeted with cheers and ululation as he arrived.

The crowd chanted "Bheki, Bheki" as the man who served as national police commissioner from 2009 to 2011 walked to the stage. Some shouted "Bring back Bheki".