eDumbe community demands MEC address their grievances
A community member who asked not to be named said the Bilanyoni community embarked on protest action on Friday, 2 February when they blockaded the roads with burning tyres and rubble
EDUMBE community members have vowed not to stop protesting until the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Nomusa Dube-Ncube addresses their grievances.
The residents intensified their public demonstrations last Tuesday after learning of the death of Bongani Mthethwa (43) who was allegedly assaulted by bodyguards of eDumbe Local Municipal Mayor, Majuba Mavuso.
A community member who asked not to be named said the Bilanyoni community embarked on protest action on Friday, 2 February when they blockaded the roads with burning tyres and rubble.
‘When Mavuso was driving past the area, a scuffle ensued between the mayor’s bodyguards and protester Bongani Mthethwa.
‘Mthethwa was assaulted and rushed to hospital for medical attention,’ said the source.
The rioting started again on Tuesday when the community heard that Mthethwa had succumbed to his injuries while in hospital.
‘We want MEC Dube-Ncube to tell us how we are going to work with the mayor whose bodyguards have killed one of us.
‘The municipality is failing to do its job and when we protest, we are beaten,’ he said.
KZN police spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, confirmed the arrest of two suspects on Wednesday for assault GBH.
‘They appeared at the Paulpietersburg Magistrate’s Court and were released on bail,’ he said.
COGTA spokesperson, Musawakhe Mayisela, said they have sent their rapid response team to listen to the Bilanyoni community.
‘We are waiting for their report. We are aware the municipality is experiencing some challenges, but as the department we are doing our best to address those,’ said Mayisela.
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