Statement by Minister Dan Plato - Mitchells Plain violence condemned

Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

Mitchells Plain violence, destruction and looting condemned

Date: 29 May 2018

Release: Immediate

 I condemn in the strongest possible terms the violence, destruction of property and looting committed in Woodlands, Mitchells Plain, under the veil of service delivery protests.

 The Western Cape Government respects the right of individuals and communities to protest peacefully, to engage with authorities in different ways and to highlight legitimate issues.

 We will not, however, allow a criminal few to hijack community concerns to entice violence, cause destruction and hold communities at ransom.

 It is clear from the media and social media reports from last night’s incidents that what transpired has moved far beyond service delivery concerns. These acts of public violence and vandalism are criminal. Those responsible should face the consequences.

 I urge communities to desist from criminal activity and to immediately report illegal behaviour to the police.

 I also call on the police to conduct a full investigation into the violent activities to ensure that those responsible face the full might of the law.  In the same way I urge community members to support the work of the SAPS.

 The Western Cape Government remains committed to addressing the legitimate service delivery concerns.

 Engagements need to take place with the best interests of the communities involved, in mind. The Western Cape government will not engage or negotiate with criminals, thugs and gangsters hell bent on keeping communities living in fear of one another.