When Apostle John Sawutana turned a plot of unused land in New Crossroads into a playground for children, he had hoped to create a safe space for them to play.
But now he is concerned that electric fencing installed by one of the neighbouring residents poses a safety risk to the kids.
About two years ago, the influential leader turned a neglected field into a play park for children. The ground had been used as a dumping site and was a breeding ground for criminals. Since his intervention, the field had been a useful place for the children.
The field is a bare gravel lot, bordered on two sides by painted walls. But now some do not want the children to play there.”Some furious residents have extended their houses and are against children playing there,” he said. “It really pains me to see this. Where are all these children going to play?”
He is now trying to convince parents not to chase the children away. Mr Sawutana appealed to residents to allow the children to play there without any interference. “One resident has even put electric wire on. My appeal to parents is to please let the children play. Why electric wire when you can put something that stops them from coming to your yard? I am not standing in their way (parents) not to put a fence on their yards but electric wire is a dangerous thing,” he said.
But the woman who has put the wire on her house was not interested in talking about it.
When Vukani visited her she was visibly unhappy that the matter had been raised with Vukani and not her.
After repeatedly refusing to comment, she eventually said: “This is my house. I will do whatever I want to do. I do not ask him about his house. Go tell him even if he can call the president. He has his issues.”
Despite numerous attempts, Vukani was unable to get comment from Ward 38 councillor Luvuyo Zondani.