BY REGINALD KANYANE

Bloemhof is on knife-edge again as residents ran riot, burning three trucks on Wednesday night. One motorist died while trying to escape from the claws of mob barricading N12 road.

They demand the dissolution of the Lekwa Teemane municipal council.

Residents made the same demands in 2014 and the town was engulfed in a protracted violent protest where several vehicles, including one belonging to SABC and buildings were burnt.

About a month ago, four teenagers were arrested after a group of people barricaded the N12 and torched a bakkie.

The Wednesday night flare-up came as a baptism of fire to the newly appointed local government and human settlements MEC, Fenny Gaolaolwe and her counterpart at community safety, Dr Mpho Motlhabane.

While police sprung to action to restore order, Motlhabane condemned the violent protest and called for dialogue between residents and government.

The MEC warned motorists using the road to look for alternative routes until the situation was resolved.

“Motorists are cautioned and advised to use alternative roads due to the closure of the N12 following community protests. The community of Bloemhof went on a rampage on Wednesday night blockading the road.

“It is alleged that the community is complaining about lack of service delivery and none response of their memorandum delivered to government. According to SAPS and Traffic Authorities on site, three trucks were torched and two bakkies were involved in an accident trying to avoid the mob which thrown them with stones. However no injuries were reported so far,” Motlhabane said.

He added that in making their grievances known, communities do not need to resort to destructive behaviour.

“Torching and destruction of property is condemned at all costs and will never be tolerated in a democratic country, communities have the right to a peaceful demonstration. Every person has the right to move freely and use our roads which should not be taken away by anyone.

“We advise drivers using the N12 road to be very careful. We also urge them to use alternatives roads and cooperate when they are redirected by Traffic Authorities. To report bad driving, accidents and other unlawful acts, please contact our Call Centre on 0800 204 992,” he said.

One resident who did not want to be named said they are tired of corruption, fraud and maladministration at the municipality and their cried are never responded to.

“We submitted the memorandum of grievances to the municipality and gave them 14 days. However, they decided to ignore our call. The current administration is not the one wanted by Boitumelong residents. There are some decisions taken by municipality that we were not part of. We want the municipality council to be resolved,” the resident said.

SA National Civic Organisation (Sanco) in Dr Ruth Mompati region urged the provincial government to swiftly react and intervene.

Regional Secretary, Mika Moeti said: “We urge our local government and human settlements department to intervene. We need stability ahead of local government elections. The government must listen to the people’s grievances and act accordingly. However we condemn the violent behaviour of the Boitumelong residents. We request them to refrain from using violence as that will cost more money to repair torched buildings or vehicles,” he said.

-TDN

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