News South Africa

Task team to deal with Kuruman unrest

Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa is confident that the unrest in Olifants Hoek and Kuruman in the Northern Cape will soon be resolved.

He appointed a task team to investigate allegations levelled against the mayor. The team comprises police and representatives from the departments of education, public works, health and human settlements, as well as community representatives.

Mthethwa's spokesperson Zweli Mnisi said on Tuesday the team would also investigate the people behind the burning of property, including the mayor's house.

"The minister has met with the community in his capacity as the minister of police because when people start to burn down property and make certain allegations, it's his role to intervene," Mnisi said.

The communities demand a tarred road and the resignation of a local mayor. They have for the past four months stopped children from going to school until their demands are met.

"It should be noted that the minister did not go there to deal with service delivery issues. He went there after pupils started to burn property and mayor's house. It is hoped that the task team will help to resolve the situation.

"The first compromise, as the minister said, was let's allow the learners to go to school. If it's about the mayor, let's give the mayor a chance to respond. If it's about the tarred road, let's discuss that with the relevant structures," he said.

Pupils in the two areas will not write national assessment tests scheduled for September, due to the disruptions.

Mnisi vowed police will charge all those believed to be behind the violence. "Let's look at the allegations but what we will not tolerate is the destroying of property and people will be charged."

Source: SAnews.gov.za

SAnews.gov.za is a South African government news service, published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). SAnews.gov.za (formerly BuaNews) was established to provide quick and easy access to articles and feature stories aimed at keeping the public informed about the implementation of government mandates.

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