Disteneng unrest erupts over muni issues

Members of the Public Order Policing (Pops) fired rubber bullets to disperse a group of protesting residents who blocked Nelson Mandela Drive en route to Seshego early yesterday (Wednesday) morning in protest against the way in which Polokwane Municipality manages their relocation process from Disteneng. The process has been ongoing since 2013.
In a memorandum compiled by David Mbombi, Spokesperson for residents of Ward 8, it is stated that the main issue is the fact that residents of Disteneng were, according to the memorandum, “forcefully” relocated to Extensions 78, 106 and 109 against their will and some later relocated back to Disteneng where there are no services. “In 2014 negotiations with the municipality started but the municipality failed to address all of our problems,” Mbombi stated.
The road was strewn with rubble, bricks and other objects and motorists had to use alternative routes to travel from Seshego to Polokwane and back. In order to ensure the safety of motorists, the Police blocked off Nelson Mandela Road at a distance from the obstacles. A source at the road block said there was a possibility that vehicles could be stoned and damaged.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe yesterday confirmed that the Public Order Policing Unit was on the scene to monitor the situation and that a process to clear the road from rubble and other objects was proceeding. “No arrests have been made and we will continue to monitor the situation. Only Nelson Mandela Drive between Seshego and Polokwane is affected and there is no unrest on the Matlala Road,” Ngoepe informed.
Matshidiso Mothapo, acting Manager Communications and Marketing of the municipality said that it was not true that residents were removed with force.
“We had a number of meetings with the affected residents and there was even a memorandum of agreement and the relocations are taking place in accordance with the agreement. We have an open door policy and the municipality kept residents informed about the process throughout and has even put structures in place where residents can voice their dissatisfaction with processes,” he said and added that temporary services which includes water and sanitation were provided to the relocated residents.

Story:
RC Myburgh
>>rc.observer@gmail.com
BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com

Featured photo: Rubber bullets were fired and teargas stung the air at intervals yesterday (Wednesday) when Police attempted to disperse a group of disgruntled individuals in Disteneng.