MEC Mekgwe condemns vicious attack on ward councillor in Emfuleni
Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Ntombi Mekgwe has condemned the vicious attack on councillor Dimpho Rapakeng on Tuesday night by assailants who had earlier protested against not being appointed to work in the waste water treatment works in Sebokeng.
The ward 27 councillor in Emfuleni Local Municipality was attacked at home and left for dead. “I condemn in the strongest terms the attack on councillor Rapakeng. An attack on one councillor is one too many. There are three spheres of government in South Africa, and most often councillors are punished for decisions made at the provincial or national spheres. This is unfair to councillors and the attacks on them are uncalled for”, MEC Mekgwe said.
In the recent past there has been a growing number of attacks on the councillors. During these senseless attacks, property running into millions was destroyed through fire and vandalizing. One of the worst attacks was in 2011 in Tshiawelo in Soweto. MEC Mekgwe said it is unfortunate that in this day and age people still resort to this acts of violence to raise their concerns.
“Councillors live amongst us in our communities, having being elected by us to serve us as our leaders. It stands to reason therefore that we must protect them against such acts of violence rather than to attack them ourselves. Any act of inflicting harm on another human being is a criminal offense that must be punished. I urge communities to be bulwarks for councillors and for the police to bring the perpetrators into book”, MEC Mekgwe said.
Councillor Rapakeng’s condition is stable and he still remains in hospital. He sustained serious head injuries during the attack and x-ray has revealed a fracture in his skull.
For further information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
E-mail: Motsamai.motlhaolwa@gauteng.gov.za
