ANC criticise SAPS

The African National Congress in KwaDukuza has expressed their disappointment in the South African police services for the way they reportedly handled the illegal protests in Shakaville and Shayamoya on Monday.

ANC secretary Thabani Mdlalose, said the illegal protesters from Shakaville came into the ANC offices to raise their complaints, accompanied by police. In Shayamoya they attempted to burn ward 23 councillor John Phahla’s house.

“Instead of dispersing the illegal gathering, they chose to come with them into our offices. We wonder how did the people manage to attempt to burn the house in Shayamoya while they were monitoring the area,” said Mdlalose.

KwaDukuza SAPS acting station commander Mdumseni Nene denied that his officers had ‘accompanied the protesters’.

“The police were monitoring the protesters to ensure that they did not cause trouble. We do not have equipment to disperse the crowd. So we had to at least prevent them from destroying anything on route to the ANC offices,” said Nene.He said a case of public violence had been opened and they are investigating the matter.

Shayamoya residents demonstrated on Monday and Tuesday morning in what began as an unemployment protest, and ended as a protest against Phahla. None of the residents in Shayamoya who spoke to the Courier were able to explain why they were unhappy with the councillor.

“We do not want him that is all and we want jobs. Most of the people in this township are unemployed,” said one resident.

Phahla said he tried to speak with the people on Monday morning but they could not give him specifics.

Most of the protesters were young people, and school pupils. They tried to stone an Umhlali police van.

In Shakaville (ward 18) residents were protesting against the newly elected candidate, Linda Yengwayo, as they want their current councillor, Pinky Mdletshe to be re-elected.

There were also protests in ward 18 and 23 of KwaDukuza and ward seven of Mandeni municipality on Monday.

The ANC believe that these protests are being incited in order to disrupt the party.

“Members of the ANC know the channels to complain and in these areas we have not received any complaints. In those few areas where we had complaints, we have attended to them and dealt with those issues,” said Mdlalose.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.