The tide of lawlessness and criminality during protests is unacceptable and should be stemmed and condemned by all law-abiding citizens, North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise said in slamming the torching of a Mahikeng Councillors’s house on Thursday.
Premier Modise appealed to communities to refrain from unlawful action and violent protests but to instead opt for dialogue and constructive engagement around their community development issues.
“Interventions aimed at fast tracking implementation of the local government turn-around strategy and ward-based planning needs to be supported and given a chance,” emphasised the Premier.
Modise was responding to the sporadic violent protests experienced around Mahikeng local municipality carried out under cover of darkness. Thrashing, stoning of cars and barricading of roads with burning tyres led to the torching of the Councillor’s house in Extension 38 on Wednesday night.
The Premier said that law-enforcement agencies are hard at work and their investigations will expose those responsible for what appears to be a coordinated action aimed at plunging municipalities into anarchy.
"Police will not stand idle and watch the mayhem but will have to act to protect properties and the lives of the innocent. The trend to plunge communities in violence without a second thought or regard for consequences is worrying. We cannot afford to have a situation where people’s properties are vandalised, their possessions stolen and vehicles belonging to innocent passers-by are stoned and people threatened with violence under the guise of service delivery protests, "she said.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele, Spokesperson
Cell: 083 629 1987
Tel: 018 388 3705
Fax: 086 620 4802
E-mail: LKgwele@nwpg.gov.za
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