Mogalakwena Municipality discourages lawlessness displayed yesterday and says today will be ‘business as usual’
The Mogalakwena Local Municipality leadership is highly disappointed by the level of ill-discipline and hooliganism displayed by members of Sanco during the protest march which took place yesterday.
MOKOPANE – Malesela Selokela, Head of Communications at the Municipality, said in a media statement: “We have physically and on social media seen members who we believe are part of the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) forcefully instruct shop owners to close their businesses and asked shoppers to stop running their errands. Prior to the march/shutdown we called on the protesters to refrain from any form of violence, not to intimidate shop owners and the public who will be in town to shop and run their errands as well as preventing learners from going to school.
Read more: [WATCH] Mokopane shutdown protests: Sanco leader lists their demands
“However, the municipal leadership has engaged with members of the police who promised that today they will not allow any form of violence or disruption in town. Police officers have assured everyone that today will be business as usual, businesses in town will be fully operational.”
Read more: [WATCH] Around 800 protesters march in Mokopane shutdown protest
There is no human rights instrument or national constitution that grants the absolute right to protest and support protesters who forces residents to join their march or stop operations/services in town. It must be noted that the municipality discourages the shutdown/march or any form of violence. Residents who wish to visit the municipality are also welcome, Selokela concluded.
