Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety
I strongly condemn the violent nature of the recent protest action in Khayelitsha as this behaviour simply has no place in a democracy.
No one wins when violence, destruction and criminality are the chosen avenue to air grievances. In this specific incidence of public violence the burning of the OR Tambo hall is a great loss for the community which is now without a facility.
The closure of the N2 highway is also unacceptable and I urge residents to not put their own lives, the lives of their immediate community or the lives of other motorists and people of the province in jeopardy when they are unhappy or have grievances.
I welcome the swift response by provincial traffic and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in containing the violence and bringing order back to the area. The subsequent arrests made by the SAPS are welcomed and I trust the criminal justice system will see perpetrators face strong convictions for crimes they are found guilty of.
Strong convictions are required to send an equally strong message that we do not tolerate violence in our society.
I urge communities and leaders in communities to not allow violence as a means of expressing themselves. There is always a better alternative available.
Ewald Botha
Spokesperson for Minister Plato
Cell: 079 694 1113