Angry Mitchells Plain residents brought traffic to a standstill on Jakes Gerwel Road, demanding justice for murdered pastor Anthea Wilkinson and action against smash-and-grab attacks they say have terrorised families along the route for years.
The protest, supported by the Africa Restoration Alliance (ARA), took place near the R300, where community members gathered to highlight the dangers facing motorists and demand better protection.
Wilkinson, 53, a pastor at Jesus Celebration International (JCI), died from head injuries after the vehicle she was travelling in was allegedly attacked on 11 October.
Police have opened cases of murder, malicious damage to property and common assault. No arrests have been made.
The demonstration comes amid renewed concerns about smash-and-grab attacks along Jakes Gerwel Drive, where several intersections have previously been identified as crime hotspots.
‘We want justice for every family’
Charmaine Heywood, a member of JCI’s leadership who knew Wilkinson for more than 20 years, said the protest was about more than one family.
“We want righteous justice for Pastor Anthea, but not just for her, for every family that has been affected by such incidents,” she said.
Heywood said she had also been a victim of an attack and claimed another incident occurred a day before the protest, when a church member and her mother were allegedly targeted while returning from Wilkinson’s funeral.
“This other lady from our church was with her mom. They threw rocks at them, and they chased them with a car,” she said.
She said the attacks had been happening for decades and called for a wall to protect motorists using the road.
“Who is looking out for us? Who is keeping us safe? Why don’t they come and build a wall here to keep us safe?” she asked.
Heywood remembered Wilkinson as someone who was always thoughtful towards others and never missed an opportunity to greet people.
“She’d never walk past you without greeting you. She was loved by everyone in the church. Our hearts are broken today,” she said.
Residents say fear has become part of daily life
Aqeelah Masoet, a Mitchells Plain resident and JCI member, said members of her own family had also been victims of smash-and-grab attacks.
“We are gatvol now,” she said.
Masoet said the attacks had become normalised and accused the authorities of ignoring the community.
“I wish the City can consider us as humans, and not just animals,” she said.
She said residents were increasingly afraid to go about their daily routines, including taking their children to school.
“We even fear to take our kids to school,” she said.
Masoet also alleged that a man attempted to rob one of the demonstrators during the protest but fled into nearby bushes after being spotted.
She said police officers at the scene did not intervene.
“The police were just standing there,” she said.
Human Rights Commission condemns pastor’s murder
South African Human Rights Commission chairperson Chris Nissen attended the protest to monitor proceedings and pay his respects to Wilkinson’s family.
“We condemn the incident. We have been working around the clock on these issues,” Nissen said.
“We are very angry about the murder, and we want the perpetrators to be arrested.”
