COMMUNITY safety and transport management MEC, Dr Mpho Motlhabane expressed deep concern over the recent violent protests happening around the province.

He said the recently picketing brings challenges to the safety of the residents.

“Communities have the right to protests against any government or any institution. However not every citizen takes part into these protests. So we urge those who embark on protests must stop burning of properties and barricade roads. Preventing learners to go to school is also a crime.

“As a responsible and caring government we have a duty and responsibility to deal harshly with all sorts of crimes by arresting the criminals and remove them from a peace loving society. We cannot fold our arms and witness or negotiate with criminals who are destroying amongst others our future leaders and infrastructure,” Dr Motlhabane said.

The MEC added that law enforcement agencies will work hard to curb these ills.

Dr Motlhabane said that the department will partner with communities, business people and churches to fight these undesirable acts.

“As the government of Bokone Bophirima we believe in Saamtrek, Saamwerk. It is every person’s responsibility to fight crime and to live peacefully. Every protest has a leader or leaders and we believe that true leaders cannot encourage people to destroy property. We regard that as hooliganism and won’t be tolerated.

“We are happy with the work done by our traffic officers and police. They have spent sleepless nights combating crime and bringing peace and stability in our communities and roads. We understand that there are genuine grievances which need to be tackled but let that be done in a responsible manner and engage. Please remember that two wrongs do not make a right,” he said.

Most of the protests have been blamed on the political jockeying by aspiring councillors.

-TDN

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