The MEC for Department of Transport, Safety & Liaison, Mr Lebogang Motlhaping strongly condemns the violent protests and looting that erupted in Kimberley as residents marched over electricity tariffs.

What started as a collective of residents that marched peacefully to raise genuine concerns with Sol Plaatje Municipality over electricity tariffs turned into a violent protest.

As a Department, we sympathise with the residents and the business sector and appreciate the planned protest action that was a legal march. It is unfortunate that the protest action however turned violent as criminals saw it as an opportunity to loot shops and damage business and government properties.

It goes without saying that the burning, looting and destruction of local businesses and government properties implies that service delivery and the livelihood of many people will be negatively affected. Government will also be expected to restore those services instead of improving and / or providing other essential services elsewhere.

We appeal to everyone not to buy stolen items but to report anyone in possession of such items to the police. We also call upon the leaders of the protest march, to contain the situation and work with us in restoring peace in the city.

Let us all work together with law enforcement agencies and as residents to restore peace in our beautiful city.
END.

For any inquiries please contact:
Ms. Keitumetse Moticoe
Communications
Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison
082 064 7003, ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) 053 839 1700/836
Facebook page: Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison
Issued by the Northern Cape Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.

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