SIYABONGA SITHOLE
The ANC has joined the picket lines against the scourge of rape and illegal mining in the West Rand.
Leaders of the party including party spokesperson, Pule Mabe and Ekurhuleni general secretary, Thokozani TK Nciza joined the march outside the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court where more than 80 illegal miners were expected to make another court appearance for the conclusion of the identity parade following their arrest over the weekend.
Their arrest comes after the gang rape of eight young women who were part of the production team that was shooting a music video in West Park when the team was robbed of equipment and the young women raped.
"We have taken a decision as the ANC that today, we are going to join the picket line at Krugersdorp Magistrate Court. We have come to register our own concerns, frustrations and anger around the issues of undocumented illegal immigrants who continue to commit heinous crimes around the question of rape and illegal zama zamas. We felt that, we now need to elevator thus. We need to make sure that we influence national conversations around issues faced by our people, "Mabe told this newspaper.
In a bid to renew the party following allegations of disinterest with issues affecting ordinary South Africans, Mabe said the party is committed to end crime and other issues adding that the presence of other political parties was a sign of tolerance.
"We must reassure the people of this country and that it is possible to reclaim our communities if we all work together," said.
Other leading parties represented outside the court include, the IFP, ActionSA and the DA who all gathered outside Krugersdorp Magistrates court singing struggle songs ahead of the resumption of the court case on Wednesday.