KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety & Liaison Mr Mxolisi Kaunda has vowed to restore stability in Colenso following recent unlawful service delivery protests in the area.
Kaunda addressed a packed Colenso Town Hall on Tuesday.
The MEC, accompanied by Alfred Duma Municipality Mayor Vincent Madlala, convened the urgent meeting following reports of illegal service delivery protests by residents of Ward 25.
The protests have been accompanied by damage to private and public property, and blockading of the road entering Inkanyezi Township.
The community has also complained about police ineptitude and brutality in the area. In addition, the protesters have demanded the removal of a local councillor.
In a bid to restore order to the area, police have arrested about 50 people for public violence. The suspects appeared in court on Thursday.
Also read: Chaos erupts in Colenso, with protesters blocking roads and burning a truck and a tractor
Also read: Update: 1 person shot dead as protest action flares up in Colenso
The MEC urged the community to voice their concerns about service delivery or any other issue within the prescripts of the law.
“All citizens have the right to protest under the Constitution of the republic, but such protests should be lawful and must not infringe on the rights of other citizens,” said Kaunda.
He urged the community to be patient, as the government is finalising plans to resuscitate the town of Colenso.
Kaunda said the complaints that have been raised by the community are receiving attention from the provincial government and the municipality, and that a follow-up meeting will be convened to give feedback.
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