Coligny – Criminality will not be allowed in Coligny following violent protests, North West Community Safety MEC Dr Mpho Motlhabane said on Tuesday.
“We respect the law, this is a constitutional democracy the police must arrest those involved in criminal activities. We condemn the violence,” he said after a high profile meeting convened to restore stability.
He said the meeting agreed on a five-point plan which included allowing children to go back to school and form a
Reconciliation, Healing and Renewal forum which would look into issues that would heal race relations.
“We appeal to our people to allow children to go back to school while all these process are unfolding.”
Fresh violence flared up on Monday after two farmers accused of killing a teenage boy were granted R5000 bail.
North West Community Safety MEC Dr Mpho Motlhabane explaining to community of Tlhabologang in Coligny about steps taken to restore order following violent protest.
PHOTO: Stringer/ANA
Irate residents who were against Pieter Doorewaard, 26, and Phillip Schutte, 34, released on bail torched three houses. The police fired rubber bullets to stop youngsters who wanted to burn down a farm house in Rietvlei near Tlhabologang township.
Doorewaard and Schutte are accused of killing Matlhomola Jonas Mosweu, 16, of Scotland informal settlement on April 20, after accusing him of stealing sunflower.
They alleged that he jumped out of a moving van and sustained neck injuries. He died on his way to hospital.
However, an eyewitness told the police, Matlhomola was thrown out of the van.
Motlhabane said some people have volunteered to help Matlhomola’s family to appeal the decision to grant bail.
“Processes are unfolding and we appeal to our people to be calm.”
Motlhabane addressed residents in Tlhabologang, explaining to them what process have been agreed to.
Residents were divided on the issue of children be allowed to go to school.
“Allow children to go to school. It does not help to keep them away,” said one of the parents Mmamontsho Motshwana.
A Grade 12 learner Gomolemo Mosiakoko said she wanted to go to school.
“If we are not going to school we are standing a good chance of failing at the end of the year. I want to secure a better future for me, that I can be achieve through education.”
A group of youngster shouted that children would only go to school once the accused were back in custody or Matlhomola was back alive.
North West premier Supra Mahumapelo was expected to speak to residents on Friday.