Central SA
Water-shedding leads to violent protests in small Free State town─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 08:56 Wed, 17 May 2023
Motorists driving towards the N1 and R70 roads in Ventersburg are warned to drive with caution as residents of Mmamahabane continue to barricade roads with burning tyres and stones, demonstrating their frustration with continued water challenges.
Police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng explained that the protest started on 16 May 2023 at about 14:30, when close to 350 angry residents of Mmamahabane walked to the municipal offices to demand water. After no response from the municipality, the residents barricaded the N1 and R70 roads with rubbish, stones and burning tyres.
Thakeng added the traffic department had to be summoned to control traffic in the Pienaar Street slipway to travel through Ventersburg.
The Welkom Public Order Policing, the Tactical Response Team, and Ventersburg SAPS members were also called to the scene to control the crowd. A case of public violence has been registered for further investigation and six people have been arrested thus far.
Matjhabeng municipal spokesperson, Tshediso Tlali, informed OFM News that the municipality is aware of the protests that erupted and they are investigating the matter. He, however, pleaded with residents to avoid embarking on violent protests and damaging infrastructure. Tlali further said the municipality will respond as soon as investigations are finalised.
