Witbank mayor, Mpumalanga MEC escorted out of stadium after protest
Shots were fired as tensions rose about housing in the area.
David Mahlobo with Emalahleni (Witbank) Mayor Lindiwe Ntshalintshali and Premier David Mabuza. Picture: The Lowvelder
Witbank News reports that the city’s municipal manager, executive mayor and MEC had to be be escorted out of Lynnville Stadium in Witbank, Mpumalanga, on Sunday afternoon.
Chaos erupted at the stadium where the executive mayor, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, municipal manager Theo van Vuuren and human settlements MEC Speedy Mashilo were trapped inside for some time.
The crowd grew angrier about the issue of housing and shots were apparently fired in a very tense situation.
It had earlier been reported that the situation on the N4 and in Lynnville had been stabilised, pending further discussions during the course of the weekend.
The main point of contention was housing. It is understood that offices in Lynnville have been partly burnt and a number of vehicles have also been torched.
At least 14 people were arrested, reported Witbank News.
– Caxton News Service
