‘MK veterans’ trash East Rand building

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Published Aug 26, 2013

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Johannesburg - A group of people calling themselves military veterans trashed and looted the Germiston Civic Centre on Monday, the municipality said.

“We had a bunch of people masquerading as former MK (Umkhonto we Sizwe) members,” said Ekurhuleni mayoral spokesman Zweli Dlamini.

“Surprisingly, some of them were in their mid-20s. They were not even born during times of the struggle.”

The building accommodates the executive mayor, speaker, chief whip, staff and the other political parties.

About 100 people stormed into the building, looted and vandalised property.

Dlamini said they trashed furniture, computers and fridges and stole some items.

“We are still quantifying the damage. The thing is the building had just undergone refurbishment, so we are not sure exactly how much damage we are looking at,” he said.

The attackers assaulted some staff members.

“Some staff members had to be taken in for counselling, while others were taken home,” said Dlamini.

It was unclear what the group wanted.

“If we knew what they wanted, we could have spoken to them, but they just stormed into the building,” he said.

“They did not even give us their demands.”

Dlamini said about 60 people were arrested.

They were expected to appear in court soon on charges of theft, vandalism, trespassing and assault.

Dlamini said officials were still operating from the vandalised building and that service delivery would not be hampered.

Sapa

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