Teaching and learning continued peacefully in Itsoseng and Verdwaal this week following unrest that led to the disruption of schooling during the first week of the 2018 academic year.

Learners returned to class on Monday and they were not interrupted by anybody on their journey to and from school. Last week, learners were forced out of classrooms and property belonging to African National Congress (ANC) leaders was vandalized. This was a result of a dispute over who should be employed to work on a road construction project for a road leading to Sephaku Cement Plant.

Children were blocked from attending classes and several properties that include a house belonging to ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member, Blessing Modisane, and another one of Itsoseng Ward 6 Councilor, Molefe Morutse, were vandalised.

Several stakeholders, including government leaders, visited the communities of Itsoseng and Verdwaal to hear the grievances and to restore calm in the area.

MEC for Bokone Bophirima’s Department of Community Safety and Transport Management, Dr Mokgantshang Mpho Motlhabane, urged communities to assist police with investigations and promised that police would arrest any suspects who cause trouble.

MEC Motlhabane promised parents that his department would ensure that learners return safely to school and that they are protected.

“We will be deploying police officers to each school to ensure that learners are safe in our schools and that they return safely to their homes,” he said.

On the issue of those who are vandalising property and victimising community members, MEC Motlhabane said police would handle that one. He urged community members to come forward with any information that might assist police with their investigations.

“We urge all community members to come forward with any information that might help with investigations as our special units are on the ground to deal with such issues. Police are going to make an example out of those who are arrested so that those who think of engaging in such activities know that there are dire consequences that they will face,” said MEC Motlhabane.

Executive Mayor of Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality, Justice Makolomakwa, said he is aware that there is anarchy in Itsoseng and the community is living in fear. He promised that various stakeholders would work together to ensure that everybody lives in harmony as it is their constitutional right.

A Joint Operation Centre comprised of the South African Police Service (SAPS), government officials and community members was formed in order to deal with the school disruptions in Itsoseng.

MEC for Education and Sport Development, Sello Lehari, told those attending community meetings last Friday that no one has got the right to take a learner out of a classroom and police should arrest anyone suspected of involvement in such activities.

Meanwhile 10 suspects appeared briefly before the Itsoseng Magistrates Court on charges of assault, arson and malicious damage to property.
The case was postponed to 29 January for a formal bail application as the suspects requested that they would be using the services of a private legal representative.

Warrant Officer Lebogang Mokgothu explained to Semphete.

“10 suspects appeared briefly before the Itsoseng Magistrates Court and their case was postponed due to the fact they have to consult their legal representative. Amongst these suspects are eight males and two females. Currently the situation is calm in Itsoseng and all learners have returned to class,” Mokgothu said.

Police are continuing to monitor the situation in both communities as it has remained calm over the past few days.

Source: http://www.semphetenews.co.za