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VIDEO: Police open fire when protesters get out of hand

Unrest erupted when a group of protesters barricaded Protea Street, Walter Sisulu Street and roads leading to the Themba Sinamela Stadium.

January 18, 2019

Tiisetso Malunga 1 minute read

Roads were blocked in the early hours of Friday.

The Mhluzi Anti-Corruption Network blocked the roads in dispute of the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality’s response to their memorandum of demands.

When addressing protesters at the Themba Sinamela Stadium on Friday morning, protesters told the Municipal Manager, Bheki Khenisa, that SAPS members fired rubber bullets at them they also demanded the immediate release of the two protesters that were arrested.

M.M Bheki Khenisa addresses the protesters.

On January 7 the group marched to the municipality, they claim the demonstration was to address the ‘irregular ‘ tender process for the annual Crossover event which was supposed to take place on 31 December till January 1.

In their memorandum, the group demanded the removal of the Municipal Manager, Bheki Khenisa, the group alleges that Mr Khenisa is not giving locals job opportunities.

Mr Khenisa addressed the protesters at the Themba Sinamela Studium on Friday morning.
He clarified the rumours that the Crossover event cost R1.8 million instead of the R1.1 million that was budgeted for.

He explained that the municipality can not promise residents that all tenders will be awarded to them because they are bind to follow the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA).
Mr Khenisa assured them that when the Crossover event, that is scheduled to take place in a few weeks, will employ local contractors for sub-contractors duties.

The Mhluzi Anti-Corruption Network said they will elect five delegates to formally hold talks with the municipal manager.