The conduct of Greater Ekulindeni community should be commended as they became a true example of how grievances should be brought to the attention of authorities, this according to the Head of the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison Thulani Sibuyi.
Sibuyi’s comments followed a peaceful march by the community to present a memorandum which he (Sibuyi) received on behalf of the Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe yesterday, 10 July 2013.
He said the community needs to be indeed commended for their outstanding conduct when organizing themselves together without embarking on violence or destroying public or private property and violating the rights of other people.
“All protests and demonstrations, a right enshrined in the Constitution should be done within the ambit of the law and communities need to apply accordingly and obtain approval from the authorities to do so,” HOD Sibuyi said.
Residents in Greater Ekulindeni are among others demanding that police should refrain from taking law into their own hands by beating up suspects as it is only the courts the courts of law that has powers to impose sentences on crime suspects. The community has also called for the removal of the current station commander and immediate suspension of all police officers allegedly involved in the death of Daniel Maseko.
Maseko, a community member, reportedly from injuries allegedly sustained after a scuffle between himself and the police when he was the coming from a local tavern. He died at a local hospital. In the area there also allegations of police officers who are allegedly involved in sexual relationship with under aged teenager also came under the spotlight.
The protesters also complained about police officers who misuses state vehicles and that police visibility should be enhanced especially at night. Receiving the memorandum HOD Sibuyi acknowledged community’s concerns saying that the department will respond within 14 days.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
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