Protests outside Northern Cape Sopa
PROTESTS were staged outside while Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul delivered his State of the Province address (Sopa) at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley on Thursday.
Community members, who were joined by MK Party and EFF members, demanded that the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison and the provincial commissioner address them.
The residents are upset that no arrests have been made yet after a police officer allegedly shot and killed a suspect and injured another at Badiseng tavern in Club 2000, after the pair had allegedly stolen two crates of beer, on February 24.
ALSO READ: Galeshewe beer robbery: One dead, one wounded, one on the run
A community member, Neo Kgomo, said that the police officer was still at work.
“If the MEC refuses to meet with us, we will march to the offices of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for answers. It appears as if the murder is being swept under the carpet.”
Kgomo added that they wanted the MEC for Social Development to intervene as the bereaved family was destitute.
“They require assistance because the family does not have any funeral policies or means of paying for his burial.”
Meanwhile, community health workers (CHWs) from the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers (Nupsaw) held up placards as they protested outside the convention centre.
Nupsaw provincial organiser Thapelo Thole said CHWs were still waiting to be permanently employed by the Department of Health.
“The premier decided to insource security while CHWs are still employed on measly contracts where they are only receiving stipends and are not entitled to any benefits,” said Thole.
He also believed that regulations were going to be introduced where CHWs would be required to produce their qualifications, including matric certificates and caregiver diplomas, in order to retain their jobs.
