The Gauteng MEC for Local Government and Housing, Kgaogelo Lekgoro condemns the acts of violent attacks against the councillors in the province. This follows the attack on Advocate Nyembe (the ward councillor in Joburg South - Ward 5 in Poortjie) and five of his family members in their home.
Nyembe and his family were attacked in the early hours of the morning by a group of people who are allegedly known to him in what seemed to be a service delivery protest. Nyembe is admitted in the local hospital following this incident. Meanwhile, MEC Lekgoro has issued a stern warning to those who continue to engage themselves in the violent attack against the councillors.
It has also been reported that some members of the community who were trying to help were also attacked. The police are currently busy with their investigations.
“We cannot allow our people to be attacked by the criminals in the name of service delivery protest, and we are calling on police to take a firm stand against these perpetrators’” said MEC Lekgoro.
The MEC has further calls for calm and appeals to community members from embarking on such barbaric attacks on the councilors. “This act of terrorising the community leaders should be condemned. This is not the way that people should raise their concerns. Councilors are there in communities to address people’s issues and not to be subjected to the attacks that we are witnessing,” Concluded Lekgoro.
For further information contact:
Fred Mokoko
Cell: 082 447 8407
Issued by: Department of Local Government and Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
17 March 2010
