By Jonk wa Mashamba
news@alexreporter.co.za
Daughter accuses the Alexandra Dudula Movement for destroying her father’s hardware and looting building materials from it.
The incident occurred at Alexandra, Extension 7.
Khanya Mavundza said that when her family business, known as Allan Hardware, situated on Laduma Street was demolished, the incident was reported to the Alex police, but no assistance was provided.
She alleged that the police couldn’t help her father, who they allegedly accused of shouting at them.
“My dad was never helped. I think the cops are afraid of the Dudula.”
When Alex Reporter contacted Alex police spokesperson sergeant Simphiwe Mbatha for comment, he said: “I’m not aware.”
The Dudula allegedly demanded that the hardware should be moved, giving space to a feeding scheme owned by gogo Ponelo Pele.
Some of the children of Dudula’s members are reportedly fed by the scheme.
Khanya also accused ward 105 Councillor Tefo Raphadu of siding with Dudula and never helped her family.
“A person who needs help must inform me,” said Raphadu when asked why he didn’t help the affected family.
Asked why Alex’s most feared group would demolish the hardware, Dudula spokesperson Agnes Malatjie stated:
“I would like to rectify this; it’s not Dudula… it’s the concerned residents of Alexandra, particularly the community of Ext7.
“Dudula went to assist them together with the Councillor of Ward 105 Mr Tefo Raphadu.
“Apparently, the owner of the hardware had been approached before regarding that particular space.
“But he didn’t seem to be interested or rather concerned, for he even chased away church members that were attending in a tent in that space,” said Malatjie.
Malatjie added: “We had mentioned on Alex FM that the Alexandra Dudula Movement is now here to help the community of Alexandra with concerning issues, and that’s how we were approached.
“There’s an old lady who’s doing a great job by feeding our children, but she serves from a tiny place. So the community felt that the space which the hardware is, would be perfect for her feeding scheme and the kids.”
She refuted claims that her members were responsible for stealing from the hardware.
“The community took out all the tools out of the property and placed them on the side corner, next to the property and the fence as well.
“As to what happened to them (tools) we wouldn’t know.”
