ANC office in Marikana torched

An ANC supporter holds a flag of the ANC while the President Jacob Zuma addresses ANC Gauteng Cadre Assembly in Pretoria. Picture: Phill Magakoe

An ANC supporter holds a flag of the ANC while the President Jacob Zuma addresses ANC Gauteng Cadre Assembly in Pretoria. Picture: Phill Magakoe

Published Apr 24, 2014

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Marikana - A shack used as an ANC branch office was set alight at Nkaneng informal settlement in Wonderkop near Marikana on Thursday, North West police said.

"Police are investigating a case of arson. The shack is reported to have been used as an office for a political party," said Colonel Sabata Mokgwabona.

He said no injuries were reported during the incident at 4pm.

"It is alleged that two groups of residents were involved in a squabble earlier during the day and that led to a fight."

The police were called to intervene and restore order, and eventually a number of people from both groups dispersed.

Mokgwabona said the police kept a close watch until the situation was calm. However, few minutes later reports of a burning shack in the vicinity of Nkaneng were received.

He said the shack was apparently empty at the time of the incident. The motive of the incident was not known at this stage.

The ANC confirmed that its office in Nkaneng was torched.

"We appeal to our members in Marikana to remain calm and allow the law to take its course. The matter is under police investigation," said provincial spokesman Ishmael Mnisi.

He called on residents to assist the police with information to arrest perpetrators.

"The culprits are known in the community. There are people who saw them committing the crime."

Mnisi said the ongoing intimidation and burning of ANC property would not stop the ANC from doing its political work in Marikana.

"The ANC will prevail over this anarchy. We will continue with our work in Marikana, Madibeng and all other areas in Rustenburg."

Two people were gunned down in Nkaneng two weeks ago, he said.

Mnisi said the burning of the office occurred at the time the ANC was concluding its election campaign in the Bojanala district.

As part of wrapping up the election campaign in Bojanala, ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize would address a gala dinner at Sun City on Thursday and provincial chairman Supra Mahumapelo would have a public session with political analysts to debate on the 20 years of democracy in the North West province.

 

Sapa

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