By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has condemned in the strongest possible terms the eruption of public violence incidents in Mahikeng. This comes after a number of community members barricaded various roads, including the N18 in Makhubung village and R503 in Danville in the early hours of today.
Kwena said the reports suggest that unidentified people torched a bus and a delivery truck at Extension 39 and Montshioa Township respectively. He further said schooling has also been disrupted by yet to be identified groups that removed learners from schools, particularly in Montshioa.
“The situation is currently under control and police in the Greater Mahikeng and Public Order Police (POP), are working hard to maintain public order. Barricades have been removed from most of the affected national and provincial roads to allow the free flow of traffic.
“We would like to request all law abiding citizens not to participate in violent and unlawful protests, which are characterised by criminality and meant to cause anarchy and unnecessary panic amongst members of the community,” said Kwena.
He added that, they also urge members of the community, including Community Police Forum (CPF) members to be the eyes and ears of the police by reporting instigators and anyone who incites violence. Kwena made it clear that the police will not hesitate to trace and arrest those who are responsible for these acts of violence.
“The police are maintaining their presence in the area. The police management noted with concern the tendency of public servants who fail to report for work under the pretext that it is not safe to go to work or schools, while workers in other sectors still report for duty with minimal or no serious disturbance,” said Kwena.
Meanwhile, the North West Department of Education spokesperson, Mphata Molokwane said: “The department has been informed that recent protests in various sections of the province have disrupted teaching in some locations, as violent action has stopped teachers and learners from entering school premises.
“The protests in the Mahikeng area have already disrupted some schools today, especially in Mmabatho. This is an extremely significant time of year for all learners, but especially Grade 12 learners. Examinations for June are currently underway.”
Molokwane said these assessments help their National Senior Certificate (NSC) learners TO understand where their future stands as they prepare for the most critical exams. He said these protests are violent and they must remind protesters that their rights to free assembly, association and expression, must be utilized responsibly.
“The constitution also states that every child is entitled to a basic education. As a department, our primary priority is to ensure the safety of all learners and teachers, as well as the continuity of teaching and learning.
“We will take firm action against anyone who seeks to disrupt teaching and learning in our schools across the province and we will not hesitate to pursue criminal charges under the SA Schools Act against anyone who tries to keep learners and teachers from attending core activities of the day,” said Molokwane.
He said the department will, therefore, not tolerate any unlawful action that leads to the closure of its schools.
Picture: The violent protests across Mahikeng/Twitter
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