Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe condemns vandalism during service delivery protests

Mpumalanga Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC, Vusi Shongwe has called on community members to refrain from damaging public property during service delivery protests.

Shongwe’s concern comes as a result of the service delivery protest in Barberton, where a satellite police station was reported to have been burned by an angry mob of protesters. He also said that most criminals use the protests as an excuse to engage in criminal activities.

Shongwe said although it is their constitutional right to protest, they should not violate the rights of others, as they loot local shops and have made it difficult for people who are not part of the protests to go to work.

“Whilst we acknowledge the concerns that they are raising, we cannot tolerate anarchy and those who break the law would be severely dealt with,” the MEC said.