Standerton calm - police
Article By: Cathy Mohlahlana
Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:00
The Sakhile Township near Standerton in Mpumalanga was quiet on Friday morning after a week of violent service delivery protests, police said.
"It's still quiet. All is calm," said Captain Leonard Hlathi
around 7am.
But residents did warn their demonstrations will become more violent if government does not respond to their demands soon.
Fifteen people were arrested on Thursday after the police had to
fire rubber bullets to disperse angry crowds.
The protests were sparked by an investigation that implicated
several Lekwa municipal officials and councillors in fraud,
maladministration and corruption.
Residents burnt down municipal offices, a community centre and a library as part of their demonstration.
They also blockaded the township's streets with rocks and burning tyres preventing motorists from getting to certain areas.
Police had their hands full trying to control groups of people who became rowdy, starting fires.
They were forced to open fire using rubber bullets several times.
Residents said they will only stop protesting when the municipality addresses their concerns.
Residents went on the rampage on Sunday, petrol-bombing a house
belonging to a municipal officer
Sixty-five people were arrested in connection with that
incident.
On Monday and Tuesday, the library, community hall and municipal
offices were set alight.