MEC Kaunda vows to restore stability in Colenso following recent incidents of unlawful service delivery protests

MEC Kaunda vows to restore stability in Colenso following recent incidents of unlawful service delivery protests

September 5, 2018 • News, Traffic

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda has vowed to restore stability in Colenso following recent incidents of unlawful service delivery protests in the area. Kaunda was speaking earlier today (04 September 20118) at a packed Colenso Town Hall.

The MEC, accompanied by the Mayor of Alfred Duma Municipality, Cllr Vincent Madlala, convened an urgent meeting following reports of unlawful service delivery protests by the residents of ward 25 in the Municipality.

The illegal public protests have been accompanied by damage to private and public property and blockading of the road entering Inkanyezi Township. The community has also complained about police ineptitude and brutality in the area. Other community grievances include the removal of a local councillor.

To restore peace and stability in the area, police have arrested about 50 people for public violence and they are due to appear in court on 6 September 2018.

The MEC urged the community to voice their concerns about service delivery or any other issue within the prescripts of the law. “All citizens have the right to protest under the constitution of the republic but such protests should be lawful and must not infringe on the rights of other citizens”, said Kaunda.

Kaunda also emphasised that the provincial government will not allow anarchy and lawlessness in KwaZulu-Natal. Furthermore, the MEC informed the community that public protests have a negative impact on the economic activity of the province and the republic as a whole. He urged the community to be patient as government was finalising plans to resuscitate the town of Colenso. Kaunda said that the complaints that have been raised by the community are receiving attention from the provincial government and the municipality and that a follow-up meeting will be convened to give feedback.

Police have been increased in the area to ensure that the situation returns to normal. By the time the meeting ended all roads were opened and people were able to access clinics, schools and places of work.

Safety and Safe Driving in Areas of Public Violence and Unrest https://t.co/5qO0jJT5qe #ArriveAlive #Protests #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/T8cEAz4JpY

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