Destructive protestors use service delivery as an excuse
The absence of police and other authorities will be placed under the spotlight.
On-going protest in Magaliesburg has led the DA to intervene.
According Alan Fuchs, DA Mogale Constituency Head and Member of Parliament the DA has received a number of complaints of persistent unrest in the Ga-Mogale township in Magaliesburg.
Residents say the unrest is fomented by a small group of people who do so under the guise of service delivery problems.
It is alleged that residents are intimidated and prevented from going to work, that roads are being barricaded and that a number of passing cars have been stoned by protestors.
“Since Magaliesburg attracts a number of tourists, these violent and intimidatory tactics will have a severe effect on the local economy,” says Fuchs.
Despite these matters being reported to the local police, residents allege that police have not processed or acted upon any of the complaints.
“Following a number of discussions with my colleagues across Gauteng, it seems that similar problems are being experienced throughout the province,” says Fuchs.
“South Africans from all walks of life enjoy the protection of the Constitution that safeguards our freedom of movement and association, and police are mandated to ensure that these rights are upheld,” he says.
To this end, DA provincial leader and member of the Gauteng Legislature’s Community Safety Committee, John Moodey, has undertaken to write to MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, requesting the MEC to engage with the SAPS and improve its on-the-ground intelligence.
Fuchs says Moodey will raise this matter with the portfolio committee, and request members to pay the area an oversight visit to determine the facts on the ground.
“We cannot allow our communities to be harassed and intimidated by lawless individuals. It requires strong leadership and political will to end this scourge,” he concludes.
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