Following the tragic passing on the weekend of Joe Kanyona, a 33-year old husband, father and Beerhouse doorman, concerns and opinions are circulating heavily around the safety of Long Street, with reports now even coming to light of a Morrocan-run extortion racket working businesses along the stretch.
Yesterday we ran a feature about what could be done about the street, with a lot of feedback and concerns emanating from it – even interested parties willing to make a difference stepping forward.
John Davidson, owner of Bob’s Burger Bar, has spoken out about this racket and first-hand accounts of them. Listen to the intriguing account on CapeTalk here:
Beerhouse was rocking yesterday as proceeds on the night were given to Joe’s family. Additionally, a funding page has been set up and tonight is another fundraiser:
Quiz Night tonight with @OMGquiznights is a special one with a portion of the proceeds going to Joes family. #RIPJoe pic.twitter.com/OVM9oDqkKH
— BEERHOUSE on Long (@BEERHOUSE) June 23, 2015
In the meantime. Twitter users have been voicing their opinion about Long Street:
Post your ideas how we can #SaveLongStreet > http://t.co/HxKIxsL06N. BIG up to @CapeTownETC http://t.co/FMWEBIvOUs pic.twitter.com/3mRCaaHwAU — Dylan Moore (@MrCPT) June 23, 2015
i worked on long street for a good 6 years, it’s my home away from home. say no to all crime & take back your street. #savelongstreet
— texx (@texxonfire) June 22, 2015
Ten years ago I would walk down Long Street by myself at night. Now I don’t even like driving down it #SaveLongStreet
— Bev Klein (@BevCPT) June 22, 2015
#LongStreet needs help. @CityofCT needs to fix the crime & drug problem ASAP. Don’t let it go past the point of no return @helenzille — Daddy (@LifeisSavage) June 22, 2015
As someone who loves and lives Cape Town, what is the solution with Long Street? @CapeTownEtc @CapeTalk @daalliance #capetown #longstreet — Mark Keohane (@mark_keohane) June 23, 2015
What ever happened to the idea of pedestrianising the top half of #LongStreet @LongStreetLife @CapeTownCCID @CityofCT? — Up Cycles (@UpCyclesZA) June 22, 2015
THIS #SAVELONGSTREET MOVEMENT IS ACTUALLY AMAZING. THIS CITY BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE, NOT THE THUGS. FUCK EM. LET’S TAKE IT BACK.
— KEEN (@KEENANMULVANEY) June 23, 2015
There has been no word yet from the CCID or the Democratic Alliance about this. Let’s take the city back.
Photography Ruth Smith Photography