Other than for a visibly strong Police deployment Mokopane was reportedly calm yesterday (Wednesday) morning despite reports of a planned stay away at in Mokopane doing the rounds earlier in the week. At 08:30 yesterday Democratic Alliance (DA) councillor in the municipality Korny Dekker confirmed that the schools and most businesses in town were closed but there was no sign of any protesters gathering. “It is really worrying that the schools have also closed in view of the preparations for exams that should now be a priority. The town looks like on a Sunday morning,” Dekker said.
Apparently rival groups for and against the removal of Mogalakwena Mayor Andrina Matsemela, were intent on staging a stay away at the municipality. The reported unrest follows the recent killing of two prominent African National Congress members, Vaaltyn Kekana and Ralph Kanyane, reportedly related to faction fights within the municipality’s political structures that had led to a shutdown of the town a fortnight ago.
“The Police is ready to deal with incidents that may occur,” Provincial Police Communications Head, Motlafela Mojapelo said yesterday morning.
In a media release on Tuesday, Dekker condemned the planned shutdown of the municipality on Wednesday, “During the previous shutdown two weeks ago, businesses and schools were forced to close and residents feared for their lives. We understand that the community is sick and tired of the corruption and rot in the municipality. However, businesses and schools cannot be held ransom while protesters threaten their livelihood and education,” Dekker said.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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