Gauteng MEC for Local Government and Housing Humphrey Mmemezi says he is disturbed by the escalation of violent attacks on councilors.
“I’m disturbed that both a former councilor and a Community Development Workers (CDW) are involved in this shameful act of violence and intimidation”. The MEC was reacting to the latest violent attack on councilor Busi Radebe, of Slovoville Ward 53 in Soweto.
The MEC warned that the government would never rest until the perpetrators of these heinous acts are put behind bars. Though the councilor escaped with her life, her younger brother was assaulted and sustained minor injuries to his head. Already nine suspects have been arrested.
“I wish that the justice system could prosecute these perpetrators so that others would see that violence against councilors is not an option when raising concerns,” said Mmemezi.
Apparently the group that is behind these attacks is lead by a former disgruntled councilor and a Community Development Worker (CDW). It is alleged that the same group first attacked Radebe’s house when her name was submitted alongside that of the former councilor and two other candidates during this year’s local government elections.
During that first incident Radebe’s house windows were smashed. After she was elected councilor the same group came back and cut-off her water supply pipe. This group purports to be representing people from the plots next to Lufhereng, whom some of them are suppose to benefit from this mixed housing development (Lufhereng).
“It is sad that the CDW’s vested with responsibility to assist our councilors in communities are also the ones instigating violence against them. CDW’s are our eyes and ears in communities but now they are becoming part of hooliganism. We are going to take serious actions against the CDW,” said Mmemezi.
The MEC vehemently denies that this group has legitimate grievances. “The fact that this former councilor wanted to become a councilor for the third time, it’s hard not to believe that he is bitter. Just last week another group of people were allocated their houses in Lufhereng. It’s not that work is not continuing there in Lufhereng”.
However, said the MEC until drastic action is taken against the councilor and his cohorts-this councilor and his group will continue to disrupt and derail service delivery in the community. MEC Mmemezi said now that there is a threat against the councilor he’ll ensure that the councilor is protected. He also confirmed that sometime next week he’ll be meeting with all mayors, speakers, chief whips and municipal managers among others to find ways on how best to come up with an insurance that will cover councilors and their properties in time of violent unrests and attacks.
For further information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
Eddie Mokoena
Cell: 083 602 5652
Source: Gauteng Local Government and Housing
