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 raised genuine concerns and planned a peaceful march to voice their concerns to Sol Plaatje Municipality over electricity tariffs turned into violent protests.

 

As a Department, we sympathise with the genuine concerns raised by 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 as some local businesses and government properties were destructed and some burnt, the implication is that it will affect service delivery and the livelihood of many people as some of our brothers and sisters were depending on those businesses that were regrettably affected. 

 

It is of great importance to indicate that as much as people want to demonstrate their frustrations, damaging properties and service points will tomorrow affect those in need of those services the most while government will also be expected to restore those services instead of improving and providing other essential services elsewhere.

 

We cannot tolerate criminals using genuine grievances of residents to execute their criminal activities, not as government or as law abiding citizens - we all deserve safer communities.  Therefore, we appeal to everyone not to partake in buying stolen items but to report anyone in possession of stolen 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.