RDP protester fears for life

The leaders of recent protests calling for the reallocation of RDP houses in Cyferskuil, north of Hammanskraal in the North West, say they fear for their lives.

One leader accuses the Moretele local municipality of targeting him.

Protests by Cyferskuil residents in September brought a 100-unit housing project to a halt.

They said beneficiaries included residents who already had houses and others who could afford to build their own homes.

“I fear for my life,” said Johannes Pale, who was attacked in his home by unknown assailants. “I am scared that they will return … I am in serious pain. I am struggling to walk.”

He said that at about 10pm on October 10 there was knocking at his door. “I looked outside through the window and saw two white private cars fitted with blue lights in front of the gate. I opened the door as I thought they were really the police,” he said.

Six men pushed their way in and beat him with pick handles. Three were wearing balaclavas. They then took off in the cars after firing two shots in the air, he said.

Pale was taken to Bela-Bela Hospital.

“The attackers kept asking me who do I think I am to stop the housing project,” said Pale. “I was attacked because of my role in organising the protests.”

Community leader Jan Motshegwa also said that he did not feel safe.

Pale suspects a senior politician is involved, but the politician was not available for comment.

Moretele local municipality spokesperson Mothupi Malebye did not reply to questions about the allegations of intimidation and harassment.

Police spokesperson Motshegwa Nkabinde said, “We can confirm that a case of assault with grievous bodily harm was opened.

“At this stage we cannot confirm whether the incident is linked to the unrest in the village. Investigations are continuing.”

Dineo Thapelo, spokesperson for North West’s department of cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs, said: “The department has advised the developer appointed to move to another village to resume with works until the matter is resolved to avoid underperformance on the project.”

Republished from Groundup. org.za

I was attacked because of my role in organising the protests.