Municipality to lay charges against rioters
PERPETRATORS of last Thursday's disruptive protest action on the R618 near Hlabisa have been identified and will suffer the full might of the law.
This is according to Big 5 Hlabisa Mayor Comfort Khumalo who added that local law enforcement is on "high alert" for any other protest action.
It is understood that the protesters, who barricaded the road, were angered by allegations of nepotism at the municipality where unqualified individuals were reportedly being appointed.
This was refuted by the mayor who insisted correct recruitment and employment processes are followed.
Further reports indicate that the protesters, who were burning tyres and other materials, threatened to burn municipal buildings.
“We woke up in pain,” Khumalo said, adding that the protest action affected the functioning of the municipality, local businesses and the hospital.
He went on to thank the municipal staff, volunteers and members of the local taxi industry, among others, who cleared the area in the aftermath.
Khumalo said the protest action “did not come from thin air; it was carried out by people we know in the area”.
He alleged this was the result of political in-fighting, with investigations undertaken into the involvement of municipal staff. “We are keeping a close eye on them. “Our security is very tight,” said Khumalo, adding that no arrests have yet been made.
He said both the ANC and IFP have been informally engaged about those believed to be behind the protests.
“But we are positive everything will be made clear,” Khumalo said.