Seven arrested as Phokwane service delivery protest turns violent

MEMBERS of the Valspan Community Interest Group, who staged a shutdown in Jan Kempdorp this week, claimed that they were falsely implicated in acts of public violence and damage to property.

Seven people were arrested during a service delivery protest on February 9, where tyres were set alight on major access roads.

Residents said schooling was disrupted, while taxis and businesses were unable to operate.

“A car was set alight under the bridge and a police hippo was damaged. Motor vehicles were damaged by stones and other objects that were placed on the road. Nyaope boys were hired to unleash havoc in the town. Community members refused to be used in the fight against politicians.”

Public violence and damage to property

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said that a group of disgruntled community members barricaded roads in Jan Kempdorp with burning tyres.

“The Kimberley Public Order Police were deployed to the area and subsequently arrested seven males, aged between 25 and 53, for public violence and damage to essential infrastructure,” said Shemane.

‘The march was sabotaged’

The Valspan Community Interest Group issued a notice of a shutdown after expressing dissatisfaction with the response of Phokwane Municipality regarding allegations of corruption, maladministration, the collapse of infrastructure and the mismanagement of projects.

Members of the group claimed that they did not intend for the shutdown to turn violent.

“The march was sabotaged by politicians who hired community members to loot shops and damage property. Our leader and members were framed so that they could be arrested. There is a plot to assassinate us because we are exposing corruption,” they alleged.

They indicated that the accused would make a formal bail application on February 18.

“The shutdown was called off as our leaders were arrested,” they added.

Municipality appeals for calm

Phokwane municipal manager Zithulele Nikani said that the mayor, Willem Harms, addressed community members from Masimo and Andalusia Park and called for calm.

“The municipality wishes to clarify that indigent households have not been subjected to electricity blocks. Anyone affected is urged to contact the municipality,” said Nikani.

He added that the 50 percent deduction on prepaid electricity purchases would be suspended for qualifying indigents.

“Residents with blocked electricity are encouraged to make payment arrangements on the outstanding arrears on their accounts. Qualifying residents are advised to apply for indigent status.”

Nikani advised residents to ensure that their contact details were updated.

“The municipality appeals for calm and understanding in the community and urges residents to refrain from damaging municipal infrastructure,” he added.