POLOKWANE – The Capricorn District Municiaplity (CDM) has condemned unlawful actions by the community of Lesetse GaMphahlele, who on Thursday, stormed the Olifantspoort plant, confiscated the keys and forced its shutdown.
According to a statement released by CDM, these actions have left Lebowakgomo, Mphahlele, Zebediela and some parts of Polokwane without water.
This interruption in water supply comes a week after the same group illegally shutdown the plant.
“CDM understands that tensions flared after the community was cajoled to protest against dissatisfaction about basic services at ward 25 of Lepelle-Nkumpi. We therefore implore the protesters to desist from the manner in which they express dissatisfaction about services and rather engage the District for a speedy intervention,” the statement read.
CDM say they are working with law enforcement agencies to protect the plant, restore water supply and ensure the safety of staff at the facility.
Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon." – Tom Stoppard
