‘Leaders’ turn against community members

SEBOKENG.- A group of alleged fraudulent leaders have apparently turned against the community members who demand basic service in Sobukwe Village near Tshepong in Sebokeng.
It said that the trio, who illegally sold stands to community members under the disguise of being leaders from the Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) since October last year, are a law unto themselves.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, community members say that they have been targeted with threats and even assaulted with dangerous weapons by the three men.
The men are said to have turned against the community members after they (the community) formed themselves into a formal structure that wanted to meet the relevant official at the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) to hand over a petition demanding recognition and service delivery in the area. The community members bought the stands for R150 each but there is no electricity or sewerage systems in the area, and they have illegally connected water. Mokete Mkhwanazi (62) is one of those who were severely beaten and had a wound on his head that required eight stitches. He is also one of the members of the delegation elected by the community to represent them at the ELM offices.
“Our sin is forming ourselves into a formal structure that wants to consult the municipality and have legal basic services in the area.
“These guys do not want that as they want to rule us by fire, by force. They have also told us to our faces that they are connected and would never be arrested.” Mkhwanazi said.
Another resident, Calvin Mathibela, was hospitalized in Sebokeng Hospital and underwent an operation last week following an assault, allegedly also by the group.
Mkhwanazi has opened a case with the De Deur Police but says that no arrests have been effected. Lehlohonolo Moloi, who is one of the community members delegated to engage the municipality said, “We are not going to be threatened by these guys and we want people to see these guys for what and who they are. We are going forward with engaging the municipality, we are not going to be threatened. We are going to move forward with the community’s mandate.”
The De Deur Police Spokesperson, Constable Zaheba Pieterse, said that an assault GBH case has been opened at the station but no arrests have been made and that they are appealing with members of the community to come forward with any information on the case/s. “Investigations are continuing and we are sincerely appealing to members of the community to contact us on 016 590 9215.”