Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Vusi Shongwe has condemned in the strongest possible terms the sporadic closure of some roads around Mbombela.
The roads coming in and out of areas such as Kanyamazane and Pienaar leading to town have been closed by protesters early this morning. N4 toll road towards Matsulu was also affected. In some instances trucks have been used to blockade these roads.
This has left many people frustrated because they are unable to go to work and children cannot go to school.
" We are not a lawless state. People must protest and raise their unhappiness within the ambit of the law. Our country is still reeling from ravaging pandemic that left many people without jobs. Therefore any person whose actions sabotage the economy must be harshly dealt with. Communuties should refrain from blockading the road because that is not only dangerous for people requiring urgent medical attention, it also sabotages our economy, " says the MEC.
Shongwe is also encouraging leaders in all spheres of government to constantly engage and communicate with communities to avoid unnecessary protests.
He also called on communities not to allow thugs or criminals elements to hijack peotests for their own nefarious ends.
He is also calling on the police to promptly bring to book any person who is directly engaged in road closures or mobilizing the community to do so.
Ends.
Issued by Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Enquiries: Moeti Mmusi
Cell: 079 291 0664
Or Kingdom Mabuza
Cell: 082 350 7677