The North West MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Manketsi Tlhape has in the strongest possible terms condemned the recent protests in Boitumelong Township near Bloemhof which saw the burning down of Lekwa-Teemane municipal office in the area, damaging the community hall and the alleged looting and damaging of several tuck-shops belonging to foreign nationals.
MEC Tlhape urged this particular community to refrain from using violent acts and adopt using relevant platforms created by government to raise their issues. “In our 20 years of democracy, government has ensured and made available various platforms whereby ordinary members of the community can raise their concerns for attention. Communities need to move away from using violence and abrupt malicious intend as a means to raising issues or an attempt for their grievances to be heard”, she said.
40 people have been arrested for public violence and malicious damage to properties. It is alleged that the community stoned houses belonging to the Mayor and two Councillors. The situation remains tense and the police are monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, the department has deployed officials to the area with intent to calm the situation and explore avenues of resolving the matter.
Media enquiries:
Dineo Lolokwane
Cell: 072 542 8444
