Councillor wants protection
WARD councillor Paul Kok has requested the Sol Plaatje security department to conduct regular patrols at his house after tyres were set alight outside his house in Lerato Park yesterday morning.
Police spokesperson, Captain Bashoabile Kale, confirmed that the Roodepan police were investigating a case of public violence.
“Three suspects burnt tyres outside Kok’s house at 5am. The suspects, who are known to eyewitnesses, were seen fleeing the scene. It is alleged that the motive for the burning of tyres is the non-payment of workers at a construction site. The investigation continues.”
He added that the suspects would be arrested before the close of business yesterday.
“There was no damage to the property and no injuries were reported. The fire was set outside the yard as the gate was locked.”
Kok indicated that he was asleep inside the house, along with his wife and three children, aged 13, nine and three, at the time of the incident.
“Luckily I had closed the gate. My cars that were parked in the driveway could have exploded and set the whole house on fire.”
He indicated that one of the ward committee members who were doing morning patrols at the shacks alerted the neighbourhood about the blaze by blowing a whistle.
“An eyewitness saw three people carrying tyres in the direction of my house.
“He threw stones at my window to wake me up and told me to get out of the house. By that time it was already light and I saw three men scurrying off into the bushes. I found a container of petrol close to the scene.”
Kok added that he managed to get his family out of the house and put out the fire before any real damage was done.
“The front gate where the tyres were burning is the only entry point in and out of the house. My family are traumatised by what happen and no longer feel safe.”
He stated that he had informed the Municipal Manager about the incident.
“I would like municipal security to make hourly patrols at my house because I consider this to be an act of intimidation against myself and my family. If the culprits are not arrested I will see what further steps can be taken.”
Kok said he would not ask the municipality to provide him with additional security, such as an electric fence or alarm system.
The private residence of Sol Plaatje Executive Mayor, Mangaliso Matika, was fitted with additional security upgrades to safeguard him following threats against him around the time of the ANC Provincial elective conference.
The municipality said that the mayor and councillors were entitled to protection if their safety was compromised.
Manager in the Office of the Executive Mayor, George Mosimane, encouraged the councillor to submit a report regarding the incident.
“Once the report is received the Municipal Manager will follow up with appropriate internal measures.
“An assessment of the threat will be conducted in conjunction with the police to determine what action needs to be taken in terms of the security provisions for councillors and their families.”