Protests over demarcation
Tyres, debris, rocks and poles were used to barricade R36 road that passes through The Oaks Village to Tzaneen as the residents demand that the area where the mall will be constructed to belong to their area not The willows Village as it was stated.
On Tuesday morning the residents have declared war against anyone who wanted to use the road which connects the residents to the town after they blocked the road from the early morning.
The Oaks residents are angry with the Maruleng municipality accusing them of not consulting them when they make decisions that affects their area.
‘The place where there is a taxi rank used to fall under the Oaks but now we are told is under The Willows. Why are they changing the demarcation now when is time for the mall to be built,’ said James Malepe who was sitting far from the rioting.
He said that the mayor must change his decision as he didn’t consult the community before taking it. According to Hoedspruit police spokesperson, Constable Livhuwani Mulaudzi, the mayor promised to address the community on the matter at 9:00 but he turned back when he arrived without addressing them as they have turned violent.
‘The rioting turned violent with a lot of property being damaged by the protesters. The police had to call the fire brigades to come and help as the protesters have started fires on the bridge
and the T-junction in The Oaks,’ said Mulaudzi.
Doris Maluleke who was forced to turn back toward Hoedspruit when she reaches the blocked road said that she doesn’t understand the mindset of the organisers of the protest.
‘How can they start rioting when is time for exams, I don’t think they see the impact this foolishness is going to do to their children and their future,’ said Maluleke.
Efforts to get comment from Maruleng municipal spokesperson, John Seokoma were unsuccessful as his cellphone was on voicemail.
