Acacia intersection well known for minacious disturbances and protests

ERMELO – Reports were made about possible protest action at the four way stop near Acacia on the road from Ermelo to Piet Retief on October 29.

According to Mr Theo Craven, the control room operator for ACSU and district manager for the South African Community Crime Watch Gert Sibande Region, the police were mobile and on the scene.

He advised motorist to travel with extreme caution.

Fortunately, it all came to nothing and the road was open for travel.

Highvelder has on numerous occasions reported on protest action in the area.

It was previously alleged that the reason for most of the protests here, were due to electricity problems.

Not too long ago, Highvelder reported about three trucks and double cab bakkie that were torched during a protest.

At the time, Capt Carla Prinsloo, the spokesman for Ermelo police, said a case of incitment to commit public violence was opened.

Six suspects were arrested.

Many residents wondered what the real reason behind these frequent protests are?

Highvelder spoke to a resident of New Ermelo, who wishes to remain anonymous, she said they do not receive any service delivery from Msukaligwa Municipality.

“We only have water, no lights, no refuse removal and some people are still using pit toilets,” she said.

She added the municipality and political parties have promised us many times that there will be change, but she has never seen it in the 25 years that she has lived there.

When the Highvelder asked Mr Mandla Zwane, the spokesman for Msukaligwa Municipality if there are any service delivery issues in Acacia, he said, none that he knew of.

Highvelder sent additional enquiries to Mr Zwane as well as Capt Prinsloo and awaits response.