ANC calls for calm in Zamdela

22 January 2013

The African National Congress (ANC) calls for calm in the Zamdela Township, in Sasolburg, Free State, amidst the protest by residents who are against the proposed merger of Metsimaholo and Ngwathe municipalities (see Sowetan report).

The ANC respect the rights of all residents to raise their view on any matter that affects them; however we are against any form of violence, intimidation and destruction of public and private property. Our utmost concern is the level of criminal activity taking place, including looting of shops. This will not only affect business in the area but will also affect innocent residents.

The ANC welcomes government and law enforcement agencies' swift intervention in this matter by arresting perpetrators of this senseless destruction of property and criminality. This cannot be allowed in a modern democracy such as ours, where individuals with ulterior motives takes advantage of what should be a peaceful protest to be a fertile ground for criminality.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, ANC national spokesperson, January 22 2013

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