Sekhukhune residents vow to continue service delivery protests
Residents of Ngwalemomg near Sekhukhune are determined to continue protesting until the Sekhukhune District Municipality addresses the lack of access to water and poor conditions of the roads in the area.
Dan Mdluli
LIMPOPO – Residents of Ngwalemomg near Sekhukhune are determined to continue protesting until the Sekhukhune District Municipality addresses the lack of access to water and poor conditions of the roads in the area.
Last Monday, the police had to use teargas and rubber bullets to disperse angry protesters, who barricaded roads into Ngwalemong village with burning tyres, branches and rocks.
Last Tuesday to Thursday there was still a strong police presence to monitor the situation following the unrest.
According to December Mokomane, speaking on behalf of the community, the residents were angered when representatives of the municipality allegedly failed to attend a scheduled feedback meeting with the community. He frustration mounted because this was not the first this had occurred. “The representatives of the municipality keep on making false promises to residents. We want them to come and meet us so that they can update people on the developments with regard to the lack of proper running water and the poor condition of the roads, among other things. The residents will continue to fight if they are not given answers.
“We are also worried about the police using rubber bullets and teargas on residents who are fighting for their basic rights. One resident was hit by a rubber bullet and two others were reportedly assaulted by the police.” Mokomane alleged.
Clive Maphila (27), a resident, said he had just alighted from a taxi when police officers allegedly accosted and started to assault him. “I was not there when the protest took place. I was hit in the face and had to be admitted to Matlala Hospital,” Maphila alleged.
Const Thelma Makofane, Motetema police spokesperson, said the residents had allegedly gathered illegally.
Makofane could not confirm or deny whether police officers used rubber bullets or teargas during Municipal spokesperson, Willy Mosoma, said the municipality had to investigate residents’ claims before commenting on the matter.
