Protest inconveniences matriculants

MSOGWABA – Matriculants and workers were left stranded on Monday and Tuesday morning after residents blocked the main road from the Lihawu robot with burning tyres.

The community members demanded the release of a fellow resident, Mr Musa Matsile, within 48 hours or else they would continue to strike.

According to them, Matsile was arrested on Sunday afternoon after an incident of mob justice occurred earlier that day wherein a criminal was caught stealing and police were summoned to the scene. However, when they failed to arrive in time, the criminal was beaten to death.

An angry commuter, Mr Vusi Mhlanga said, “We, as residents, no longer feel safe. We need a police station in our area as we cannot afford transport whenever we need to see the police or report a case.

It’s time we get our own Msogwaba police station in our section.

“What is the use of having a big police station, while criminals do as they please? We called the SAPS to arrest the thief, and decided to beat him up and teach him a lesson. We want our ward councillor to call the MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe, to intervene.

We no longer want to hear anything from the police. Our rights as community members are the main issue we want to discuss,” concluded Mhlanga.

Mpumalanga News failed to obtain comment from ward councillor, Cllr Themba Kulunga of ward 26A.

One of the learners of Metropolitan College who was affected said,

“I am writing accountancy today and one thing is for sure, I am already late as I was supposed to be at school before 08:00.

There are no taxis or buses to transport us. I am also affected by crime, but I cannot afford to miss my exams. They need to speak to the relevant people rather than involving the entire Pienaar.”