Last season, Greenwood Athletic’s female side were left traumatised and scarred after they were robbed at gunpoint of their cash, cell phones and other belongings in Browns Farm, Philippi, as they were preparing to honour a Safa Cape Town fixture.
Bear in mind, the region did absolutely nothing as it wasn’t important to them – no investigation, no report back, no counselling or any form of support or concern shown by the Mother body to assist the players and to ensure that measures are put in place should unfortunate issues like this transpire.
On Sunday, it was deja vu, this time, the men’s senior side of Hazendal United became the latest victims of crime and nearly paid with their lives for the love of the beautiful game after they too were robbed at gunpoint at the very same venue following a Coke Cup clash against Tembu Royals organised by Safa CT.
It must be noted that there were no Safa CT officials on duty. Furthermore, it was young officials who is officiated the match.
It’s alleged that the driver who transported the club’s equipment was robbed of his cell phone, as well as the club’s belongings on Sunday afternoon. During the robbery, a scuffle ensued in which a shot was fired – luckily with no injuries or fatalities.
This prompted local veteran photographer Rashied Isaacs, who also happens to be a disaster management practitioner by profession, to call on Safa CT to implement the necessary measures to ensure the safety of everyone at football venues across the Metropole.
“It’s of paramount importance for the powers that be to do a risk assessment plan for the playing fields,” Isaacs told No Bones with Jones. “The risk assessment plan should fit hand and glove with an emergency plan for the facilities,” said Isaacs.
Hazendal has also subsequently released a statement regarding the issue, which states that they are “currently compiling a full report of the incident and will be submitting it to our local football association (LFA) for further attention and support.”
Meanwhile, Hazendal’s former chairman and lifelong member, Graham Dirks, is appalled by the robbery at gunpoint at a football venue of all places.
According to Dirks, also an honorary member of the Rygate LFA, he cannot understand how Browns Farm in Philippi was selected for two isolated matches, which also featured Southampton of Cape District FA.
“At this point in time, Browns Farm, Philippi, is a red zone and nobody goes into the area unless you are escorted by police. Even the city and local government don’t go in the area without protection.
“I mean, nobody goes in that area, and here we are like lambs being led to slaughter after we’ve been told that you have to go play in Browns Farm or you’ll lose the game or whatever. And not to mention the intimidation that goes on in the game. It’s a bitter pill and we are still traumatised.
“We will also propose in our letter that no games should be taken to any area that is unsafe, and now I’m not just referring to the townships only, but any other area for that matter. Where our safety is concerned, we will not be risking our lives. We will rather forfeit a game than risk our lives,” Dirks concluded.
Our website reached out to the region’s secretary general, Reyaad Joseph, who opted not to reply.
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