President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged residents of Mahikeng in the North West to remain calm. This as violent protests have engulfed the town, as residents call for Premier Supra Mahumaphelo to resign.
Speaking to the media after calling an urgent meeting of the ANC leadership to address the violence, Ramaphosa has given the assurance that the issues of the North West will be dealt with the urgency that they deserve.
“I want to assure everyone that we are going to act speedily on this matter. We are not able to give the exact time-frame now, but we are going to act as speedily as possible to address each of the issues that have been raised with us.”
The President gave indications that the party will consult various stakeholders before pronouncing on Mahumaphelo.
Earlier, residents were throwing petrol bombs at the police as they demand the immediate removal of Premier Supra Mahumapelo. This is in reaction to news that Ramaphosa will need few more days to consult on the current situation in the province and the future Mahumapelo.
Police are monitoring the situation.
The President had to cut short his UK trip to return home to try and resolve the impasse between the people and North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo.
Following days of running battles between police and protesting residents that saw looting and the barricading of routes escalates in the last two days.
Businesses have been targeted in the ensuing chaos as police battled to restore order.
Meanwhile, Parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee has warned that the looting and destruction of property in the North West undermines any legitimate concerns that the community might have. Committee chairperson Francois Beukmen is calling on police to urgently restore law and order.
“The Portfolio Committee has noted with serious concerns the incidents of public violence in the North West Province this last two days. The police committee calls on the South African Police Service to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to ensure that stability is restored and perpetrators of public violence and those damaging infrastructure are brought to book. Community members must at all times act within the permit of the law.”
