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The MEC for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Madala Masuku has condemned the acts of violence and damage to property that happened in Cargo Inn Village, Marite in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality.

A building used to store books at Bakutswe Secondary School was torched and part of the school building was damaged during a service delivery protest. Among issues raised during this protest are challenges with access to water.

MEC Masuku has stated that while government respect’s the rights of individual’s to protest however such protests should be within the ambit of the law. “Government will not allow people to engage in criminal activities, vandalise and destroy public property. We thank police for acting swiftly to arrest some of the suspects involved in damaging public property and we are confident that they will face the full might of the law,” said Masuku.

He further added that government is aware of the water problems faced by communities in the Bushbuckridge area and is working around the clock to resolve them. The Honourable Premier, Mr DD Mabuza has recently concluded an agreement with Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) that is aimed at resolving water challenges faced by municipalities in the province. “People must not allow criminal elements to mislead them while furthering their criminal activities. We also encourage the community leaders and the community at large to engage in dialogue to resolve any dispute” said Masuku.