Appeals for calm in Boitumelong

Acting Premier Paul Sebegoe has called for calm as protesting residents in Boitumelong went on a rampage, burning houses and looting shops in the area. Image: NWPG

North West's Acting Premier and MEC for Finance, Paul Sebegoe, has called on protestors to responsibly exercise their constitutional right to protest and not destroy property.

His appeal comes after protesters torched the Lekwa-Teemane municipal office, community halls, and five houses belonging to the mayor, two councillors and two officials.

"We wish to condemn in the strongest terms possible the destruction of private and public property, and the looting of several tuck-shops belonging to foreign nationals, as it undermines the rule of law and the right to peaceful protest," Sebegoe said.

He said the provincial government has committed to talk with stakeholders and community representatives, and that there was no need for communities to be misled to participate in illegal marches, or "allow themselves to be used by those who seek to exploit their genuine concerns to create an environment of chaos".

"When communities do not get any joy from local engagements, they should escalate their dissatisfaction to the provincial government for intervention, instead of opting for unlawful violent protests," said Sebegoe.

He said the provincial government was considering a memorandum and reports it had received from officials from the Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, who were sent to the area ahead of talks with the municipality and affected communities last week.

According to police, 51 people have been arrested in connection with the ongoing violence, looting and destruction of properties in the area.

Two policemen were allegedly injured in the protests.