Ekurhuleni Metro tightens security
Scores of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department's (EMPD) officers, SAPS members, their tactical and riot units and private security companies were on guard during the council meeting on Thursday.
This follows the incident where ex-combatants broke down the doors tocouncil and vandalised council property during their demonstrations at the civic centre in Germiston on Monday.
Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality’s (EMM) mayoral spokesperson, Mr Zweli Dlamini, said a group broke down office doors and windows.
“These people did not ask to talk to anyone. They came here with one thing in mind – to vandalise. We commend the swift response of the police and the metro police. It was a horrible sight. I am happy our security did not fight fire with fire. We could have seen a lot of bloodshed here,” said Mr Dlamini.
He added that security to the metro’s headquarters was beefed up following the incident.
Councillors and staff members have been issued with access cards which they have to produce when entering the building.
“We used to think these are public offices, that they should be accessible at any time. But this incident has shown us that we need to improve our security,” said Mr Dlamini.
On Thursday, councillors had their bags scanned and were also subjected to security scanning as they entered the council chambers.
