Deputy Mayor, Reuben Molelekoa neither confirmed nor denied allegations the angry mob, which appeared to be instigating a fight with protesters from the Newcastle Residents Forum, was a ‘crowd for hire’.

Protesters who marched from Trim Park this morning found a second group of protesters already waiting at ‘Dubai’ when they got there. The mob seemed to be anticipating the arrival of the Trim Park protesters, and forced protest coordinator, Mdu Mnisi backward when he attempted to enter the municipal parking lot, taunting, “Why are you buying houses in town if you can’t afford them?”

“The other group was definitely told to be there by someone at the municipality. I heard from a police officer that when our group left, their group were invited into the municipal building for cool drinks,” claimed Mnisi.

In response, Cllr Molelekoa said he was unsure who told the protesters to be at the municipal towers. He further stated he was contacted at 9am this morning while he was at home, and instructed to address the protesters.

“I found the people there when I got there. I understand some of them were from Blaauwbosch and others from Osizweni but I don’t know who brought them, and I left immediately after engaging with them, so I don’t know where they went afterward.”

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Cllr Molelekoa added the second group of protesters had raised their concerns regarding high mast lights, which were installed in their area more than two months ago but were yet to be connected, as well as the shortage of VIP toilets and access to clean water supply in their area.

The protesters led by Mnisi gathered at Trim Park from 7am, to support the ‘Newcastle Depressed Town Stage 2 Mass Action’ campaign. This followed their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the September 6 ‘shutdown’, during which all entrances to town were closed and businesses opted not to trade in solidarity. The aim of this mass action was to force the municipality to review and adjust high property rates and unaffordable electricity tariffs.

Addressing residents at Trim Park, Mnisi said they needed answers from the municipality: “We submitted a memorandum to the municipality and we didn’t get any response. We are going there, peacefully, to question the accuracy of our accounts. They said we must get the right documents to lodge a dispute. We are there to get those and we are not fighting. If we are not addressed, we will further escalate this matter.”

The march proceeded in the form of a motorcade and resulted in Allen and Scott Streets being completely closed off to motorists.

PART TWO: ‘We cannot back down without a resolution’

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