Prieska protestors are not above the law, SAPS must act
11 May 2021
Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbites in English & Afrikaans from Reinette Liebenberg, MPL
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is urgently calling on the South African Police Service (SAPS) to reinforce its capacity in Prieska amidst an increasingly volatile situation in the town. This has been brought on by a mine related protest that has been carrying for almost two weeks already.
The DA is deeply concerned that the community and economy of Prieska have been forsaken by SAPS, who has failed to act swiftly against criminality in respect of the protest action.
Advice provided by the municipal manager, Ronnie Stadhouer, was to request Orion mine to stop all activities amidst yesterday’s closure of access roads to the mine and wind farms in the area, as well as the closure of business points, clinics and schools within the town (see pics here and here). His recommendation might have been perceived as support for protest action.