#Unrest: Mayor, police and other stakeholders on top of things in Rand West City

The Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) joined hands with law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders to ensure peace as well as maintain law and order after widespread looting gripped South Africa this week.

RWCLM Executive Mayor Brenda Mahuma met with management of the Randfontein Police, the Randfontein Taxi Owners Association (RATOA), members of the West Rand Induna committee and Member of Parliament Jane Mananiso at Umphakathi Mall in Mohlakeng on Wednesday July 14 to visit local businesses affected by sporadic violence in town two days earlier (Monday July 12).

Mahuma said the urgent meeting was called after Gauteng Premier David Makhura instructed various mayors in the province to help government bring the unrest under control by forming partnerships with respective stakeholders.

“Makhura gave us an instruction as mayors in Gauteng that we should meet with all the community leaders and stakeholders to see how best we can do to better the situation,” Mahuma said.

The mayor added the meeting was to also reassure businesses and malls that her department will ensure all businesses in Rand West City will be defended against looters and protected without spilling any blood.

“By working together we hope that we will keep our town safe. On behalf of the premier, I’d like to thank the police for doing their job but more importantly, I’d like to give thanks to community volunteers who made sure that businesses in town remain untouched – they’re not paid yet they’ve put their lives on the line,” Mahuma applauded.

Mahuma went on to reassure local investors that the City protects all their interests – which in turn will keep jobs and the local economy safe.

“So far, we are grateful that we haven’t had any injuries or loss of lives since the mayhem gripped the country,” Mahuma added.

Randfontein Police station commander Brigadier Mashole Jacob Manamela said it will take efforts from everyone to overcome the situation and the relationship with the police and the community is vital now more than ever.

“We’d like to express our thanks to the volunteers in the community who are putting together efforts to make sure that properties are protected. These are people who are sacrificing their time by being away from their families. As long as we are united and are of one spirit we’ll make a difference,” Manamela added.

Member of Parliament Jane Mananiso concluded in saying, “Let us continue in this form, until will overcome this, because no destruction will be done in our town, thank you for your involvement and maintaining calmness.”