AN ANC ward councillor was held hostage at GaPhaahla in Limpopo during a protest against a lack of water in Sekhukhune
The incident happened over the weekend while ANC bigwigs, including chief whip Mathole Motshekga, were in the adjacent village of Mamone celebrating Mamupuru Day.
ANC regional chairman and Sekhukhune district municipality mayor David Magabe was allegedly whisked away from the celebration to be briefed by officials.
Magabe then allegedly sent area ward councillor Mera Mahlase to talk to the people. The councillor was held hostage, but was later released unhurt .
"We are carrying coffins every weekend. Our children are dying like flies every day because they drink the same dirty water that wild animals drink. We voted and pay taxes. All we want is to be treated like those living in the suburbs," an angry protester said.
Village headman Kgoshi Letsiri Phaahla, who led the march, said yesterday they were protesting because more than 3,500 households had no water in their yards.
"Most of us buy water at exorbitant prices from well-off people who have boreholes. Those who do not have money often use dirty water from wells or rivers for cooking and bathing.
"If the municipality fails to give us water, we will continue protesting," Phaahla said.
Magabe's spokesman, Ntswako Mosoma, said the municipality was meeting villagers this week to solve the problem.
"We admit that people have genuine concerns, but we will not condone the kidnapping of our councillors. Our doors are always open and there is no need for violence," Mosoma said.
ANC man is held hostage
AN ANC ward councillor was held hostage at GaPhaahla in Limpopo during a protest against a lack of water in Sekhukhune
The incident happened over the weekend while ANC bigwigs, including chief whip Mathole Motshekga, were in the adjacent village of Mamone celebrating Mamupuru Day.
ANC regional chairman and Sekhukhune district municipality mayor David Magabe was allegedly whisked away from the celebration to be briefed by officials.
Magabe then allegedly sent area ward councillor Mera Mahlase to talk to the people. The councillor was held hostage, but was later released unhurt .
"We are carrying coffins every weekend. Our children are dying like flies every day because they drink the same dirty water that wild animals drink. We voted and pay taxes. All we want is to be treated like those living in the suburbs," an angry protester said.
Village headman Kgoshi Letsiri Phaahla, who led the march, said yesterday they were protesting because more than 3,500 households had no water in their yards.
"Most of us buy water at exorbitant prices from well-off people who have boreholes. Those who do not have money often use dirty water from wells or rivers for cooking and bathing.
"If the municipality fails to give us water, we will continue protesting," Phaahla said.
Magabe's spokesman, Ntswako Mosoma, said the municipality was meeting villagers this week to solve the problem.
"We admit that people have genuine concerns, but we will not condone the kidnapping of our councillors. Our doors are always open and there is no need for violence," Mosoma said.
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