By OBAKENG MAJE
The police in North West call on residents to use various channels to address their concerns, especially service delivery issues. This comes after a voice note making rounds on social media platforms inciting anarchy and lawlessness.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said, the police are aware of the meeting, where some community members and residents of Setumo Park in Mahikeng, raised legitimate concerns regarding shortage of water, poor internal roads and theft of electricity cables.
Mokgwabone said the police have also noted the voicenote that is widely circulating on social media platforms, where one of Setumo Park residents/concerned group members was interviewed in the local community radio station.
“The interviewee indicated that they escalated their concerns to the relevant authorities and that should they not get a positive response, they will embark on a protest.
“Subsequent to the interview, Setswana and English messages, which seem to indicate or suggest that there is going to be what is referred to as “shutdown” in Mahikeng. It even mentioned certain provincial and national roads that are likely to be closed,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the police would like to request the residents of Mahikeng and Setumo Park to ignore this message. He added that Setumo Park residents, like all citizens of the North West and indeed South Africa, have rights enshrined in the constitution of the country, including the right to peacefully picket, protest and present petitions.
“The police, as the only constitutionally established law enforcement agency, must ensure that this right is neither infringed nor denied to anyone who is doing so within the ambit of the law.
“Shutdowns, barricading of roads, damage to properties and other unlawful actions are in contravention of the constitution and anyone who embarks on or incite others to break the law, regardless of how legitimate their concerns or grievances are, will face the full might of the law,” said Mokgwabone.
He said the all law-abiding residents of Mahikeng and Setumo Park are therefore requested and advised to reject and report anyone who through unlawful means, seeks to incite anarchy and lawlessness to spread fear, panic and threaten peaceful co-existence, which are intended to undermine the authority of the state.
Mokgwabone said rather than addressing legitimate concerns, violence can only lead to instability, injuries and loss of lives, which should be avoided at all costs.
“Parents and community leaders must therefore make sure that legitimate concerns are not hijacked by individuals who in most instances use children. The police are ready to enforce the law, prevent, combat and investigate crime as well as maintain public order.
“Anyone who disrespect the rule of law, will be dealt with without any fear or favour,” he said.
The Guardian 