Zero tolerance towards rogues in unrest situations

YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com

The provincial government has issued a stern warning of zero tolerance towards rogue elements within communities destroying state property and collaborating with school leadership to bar learners from attending school at times of upheaval in hotspots across Limpopo.
Provincial government spokesperson Phuti Seloba placed emphasis on peaceful protests by saying that the rebuild of libraries and school infrastructure gutted during unrest would not be prioritised. He stressed that the smoke of burning tyres doesn’t attract the attention of Premier Stan Mathabatha or his provincial cabinet, but instead genuine issues related to service delivery were addressed when brought to their attention. It was crucial for communities to understand that when issues were raised they got addressed.
He referred to rogue elements within communities complicating intervention in matters. Of equal concern was the tendency prevalent at a time of pending local government elections of such elements apparently collaborating with school principals in certain areas to lock out learners, for them to join actions related to unrest in the area, he pointed out. “These people are playing with the future of the children and the whole country.” Such reported activities were being investigated and the harshest action would be taken against the culprits, he reiterated.
Turning to the situation in Mookgophong and Modimolle, which has reportedly gone back to normal after last week’s renewed unrest, he said a report following investigations into allegations raised by the community of Modimolle was expected to be finalised in due course. Once it was done they would be able to share the findings and the course of action. In the meantime the provincial government was continuing to engage community leaders in Mookgophong in paving the way for interaction with the community. Asked about Mathabatha not addressing the community during a pre-scheduled gathering last Thursday, he said the Premier was at the stadium to meet with the people but that the decision was taken for him not to address the crowd as the environment was not conducive due to a substantial number not in a sober state.
From a source it was learnt that all was currently quiet in Modimolle. In nearby Mookgophong community meetings had been conducted on the weekend during which it had been communicated that issues of concern couldn’t be resolved by any war and that a verbal war could only be facilitated through legality, he said. According to the source a march to be held within the next three to four weeks had been agreed upon. The community also met with the mayor in the process, the source said. He further mentioned that it was decided that people would return to work as from Monday onwards and that matriculants who missed school the past fortnight would return to catch up during the holidays.
The possibility of mob justice in the light of the killer of a community member – reportedly shot during unrest about a week and a half ago still not being arrested – remained a concern, it was learnt. The source said all was quiet in the town, with fear of arrest prevailing. While 16 persons – including three community leaders – were still in custody after having been refused bail on charges related to alleged incidents of unrest, four principals in the organised protests in the area couldn’t be located, he added.
Provincial Police spokesperson Ronel Otto confirmed arrests on charges of public violence and malicious damage to property. According to Otto the situation was calm with no further incidents of violence having been reported.