I have just come from the site in Mitchell's Plain where a large land invasion occurred on Sunday and which has seen violence and instability over the last two days. Law enforcement agencies were in the process of clearing the illegal structures when African National Congress (ANC) provincial leader, Marius Fransman, arrived with ANC supporters and disrupted these operations.
I will be requesting a full-scale investigation into this incident, including an analysis of City of Cape Town video footage at the scene.
Law enforcement agencies were on site to keep a tense situation calm and to provide assistance to the anti-land invasion unit so that the illegally erected structures could be removed. This is a legal route that is being followed as the city and province are committed to peacefully resolving the matter within the framework of the law.
While these clearing operations were underway this morning, Mr Fransman and a group of supporters interfered with the execution of the officers' duties and subsequently disrupted operations.
Politicians have no right to interfere with legal processes and Mr Fransman's conduct only fuels an already tense situation.
I will be taking up this matter at the highest level, and have already addressed my concerns with the provincial Police Commissioner.
Enquiries:
Melany Kühn
Spokesperson for Ministry of Community Safety
Tel: 021 483 3873
Cell: 078 887 7004
E-mail: mkuhn@pgwc.gov.za
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Province
