MOKOPANBE – The organisers of the Mogalakwena Concerned and Affected Communities (MCAC), Mokopane Task Team (MTT) and South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco)
said they are more determined to fight corruption and will not rest until it is rooted out, services being delivered and Andrina Matsemela resigns as mayor.
The organisers said in a media release they are severely disappointed in the SAPS.
Read more: #MokopaneShutdown: Shop’s window smashed
“There are elements in the police that are trying to silence the people of Mogalakwena, using state machinery. They have spoken earlier today to Major Genl Jan Scheepers, Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS, and he granted permission to march peacefully. Then, someone instructed them to unleash rubber bullets on the protesters while they were preparing to march.
“As the leadership and organisers we have tried our utmost best to ensure peace and stability but at this stage, we are no longer responsible for the anger and frustration of our people and the police must take the blame of anything that can transpire due to rage.”
Read more: [LISTEN] ‘We are trying to make peace, but they provoke us’ – MCAC
The organisers said since the beginning of the protests during August, they have been duly consulting with the police in ensuring that the protests are peaceful and the people are protected from any violent element. They have indeed conducted peaceful protests, despite being provoked by the police through shooting the protesters with rubber bullets on numerous occasions. The police force has to maintain peace and stability not to deny them to exercise their rights of protest.”
