Arrests after Mogalakwena unrest
While 20 members of the community made court appearances following alleged public unrest in the aftermath of what is seen as political killings in Mokopane almost a fortnight ago, the ruling party structure in Waterberg region has its hopes set on a probe that would solve political killings across the province the past almost 15 …
While 20 members of the community made court appearances following alleged public unrest in the aftermath of what is seen as political killings in Mokopane almost a fortnight ago, the ruling party structure in Waterberg region has its hopes set on a probe that would solve political killings across the province the past almost 15 years.
Provincial Police Communications Head, Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the appearance of 20 suspects who face charges of trespassing and kidnapping in the Mogalakwena Magistrate’s Court on Friday. All were released on warning and are expected to appear in the same court again on 3 September, pending further Police investigations.
This after Thursday and Friday’s unrest in Mokopane when a group of protestors gathered outside the Mogalakwena municipal offices, demanding the resignation of Mayor Andrina Matsemela after the alleged assassination of prominent African National Congress (ANC) members Valtyn Kekana and Ralph Kanyane.
It was learnt that community members allegedly unlawfully forced their way onto the municipal premises last week and locked security guards in a guard’s office. The angry group allegedly also gathered in front of the local Police station demanding the arrest of suspect(s) responsible for the killings.
Mojapelo also confirmed that both Police Minister Bheki Cele and his deputy, Cassel Mathale visited the town last Thursday to meet with stakeholders.
Matome Moremi-Taueatsoala, spokesperson for the ANC Waterberg Regional Executive Committee (REC), said they have welcomed the announcement on a special team to be constituted to investigate political killings in Limpopo of the past 14 years as far back as mid-2000.
Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor in Mogalakwena Municipality, Korny Dekker said in a media release on Monday that the party intends to table a motion of no confidence in Matsemela during the next council meeting, for which a date has not been set yet.
Dekker said that the motion comes as a result of Matsemela’s repeated inability to address the crisis of governance in the municipality which culminated in a total shut down of services in town. Yesterday (Wednesday) Dekker confirmed that Matsemela was not at her office last Thursday and Friday but has returned to continue with her responsibilities in the meantime.
On Monday spokesperson for the municipality, Malesela Selokela confirmed that the situation in Mokopane has been calm since Saturday and that the municipality operated as usual.
Story: YOLANDE NEL
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RC Myburgh
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BARRY VILJOEN
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