Safety MEC slams ‘criminal’ Riverlea protests

Gauteng MEC for community safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane yesterday condemned lawlessness during protest action by the Riverlea community and surrounding areas which has led to service delivery disruptions.

“I am deeply disappointed in the manner in which community members conduct themselves every time there is a protest action,” she said. “It is a constitutional right for members of our communities to organise themselves and engage in a peaceful protest but once that right is violated by intimidation of nonstriking members, it becomes a crime.”

Nkosi-Malobane said most workers were stranded and unable to go to their respective areas of work due to the protest action.

Pupils were also on the receiving end as they were denied the opportunity to go to school during this crucial time of the year when exams are drawing closer. – ANA