Rioting has started again at the Mankweng township over service delivery issues.
Seven weeks ago the township was the scene of violent action taken by the community after water to some residents was cut off due to continous non-payment of bills.
Burning tyres blocked the R71 to Tzaneen and entrances to Mankweng was blocked with rocks and burning tyres. Police had to disperse crowds with water cannons and rubber bullets. Yesterday saw a repeat of these actions.
Crowds gathered and were dispersed by police, who came as far as Makhado to assist in quelling the riots. Alfred Phasha, deputy chairperson of a task team set up to address problems in the township in conjunction with the Polokwane municipality told Review that nothing was done and nothing happened since the meeting with the Polokwane mayor , Thembi Nkadimeng late in August. Phasha said the task team comprises two members of each unit in Mankweng. He accused the municipality of showing a “lazy, irresponsible and negligent” attitude towards Mankweng.
Tidimalo Chuene, spokesperson for the municipality was at the scene. She said the municipality was trying to find out who is behind the renewed violence and why it was happening, She told police officials a meeting with the community task team was arranged for Wednesday , but Malebana said a meeting with the whole community was needed, not only with the task team. Malebana said somebody phoned him on Sunday “when the march was already planned.”
