MOKPANE – Mogalakwena Residents Association (MRA) leader Thintha Mokhonoana says they are going to make Mogalakwena Municipality ungovernable until president Jacob Zuma himself comes to solves the political problems in the area.
Mokhonoana uttered these words on Monday after the police shot and injured 12 people on Sunday at the Mahwelereng Stadium, members of the Mogalakwena Residents Association and residents gathered to discuss shortage of water and the uncollected refuse.
“We had permission to meet at the stadium, police blocked our way and started pushing us back. We refused to go away as our gathering was legal and they started shooting us with rubber bullets. Seven people were arrested and 12 injured. They were transported to the Mokopane Hospital for treatment. A wheelchair bound man was one of the people injured in the shooting. Police violated our rights to gather and discuss the future of our town. Our town is smelling, because of the uncollected refuse. We wanted to find a solutions for these issues. We are in the process of lodging a civil claim against the police,” Mokhonoana explained.
“The MEC of cooperative governance human settlement and traditional affairs (Coghsta), Makoma Makhurupetje is leading the so called “cleaning campaign” we warned her not to come on Sunday. It is too late for her to intervene. We will make sure that Mogalakwena is ungovernable until the president comes down to solve our problems. We will bring Mogalakwena to a total shut down,” said Mokhonoana.
Spokesperson for the Cogstha, Motupa Selomo said there is no one who can intimidate them and they have launched a successful cleaning campaign on Monday.
DA parliamentary leader, Mmusi Maimane returned to Mogalakwena yesterday (Monday) after his visit last week Tuesday was disturbed by municipal officers and the police who blocked his path.
On Monday Maimane took his time visiting several residents in the Voortrekker Hospital who were shot and injured with rubber bullets by the police during a peaceful gathering.
“Taps have run dry and rubbish has piled up in the streets as a result of the ongoing war between ANC factions for control of the municipality that began months ago. Basic services are at a near standstill and it’s only a matter of time before a total collapse, which the community cannot afford,” he said.
DA lays complaint against Mogalakwena police
DA: Mogalakwena suffering because of ANC in-fighting