Modimolle protest ends in violence

LIMPOPO – Angry residents blocked access roads to Modimolle on the R101 with burning tyres. The protest turned violent when the police attempted to disperse the crowd with rubber bullets and tear gas.

The protesters subsequently gathered at the municipal buildings to demand the resignation of the mayor.

Provincial police spokesperson, Col Ronel Otto said the police used rubber bullets to disperse the crowd as they were damaging property and blocking the road.

She said five people were treated for minor injuries and that no arrests were made. 

Limpopo DA leader, Jacques Smalle, said residents of Phagameng and the southern parts of Modimolle have been without drinking water for the last three months.

He said this was because the Magalies water supply water system did not fulfil their contractual obligation to the municipality and only supplied about 50% of the water quota.

He said the dire cashflow of the municipality resulted that no short term relief measures by the Modimolle mayor, Meisie Lekalakala was implemented during this critical shortfall.

“The protest is a horrible result of the ANC government’s poor financial planning and contemptuous disregard for residents’ rights. While the DA shares their frustration and supports the community’s rights to protest, this must be done peacefully and within the confines of the law to ensure the safety of the community. It is clear that the mayor and the municipal management are not strong enough to  turn around the financial affairs of Modimolle after years of reckless financial management that has now come home to roost,” he said.

All attempts to get comment from the Modimolle Municipality were fruitless as they were still in a meeting.

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