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Police minister promises to act in Ratanda

TENSE: Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa visits the volatile township of Ratanda in Heidelberg. PHOTO: VELI NHLAPO
TENSE: Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa visits the volatile township of Ratanda in Heidelberg. PHOTO: VELI NHLAPO

MINISTER of Police Nathi Mthethwa yesterday promised residents of Ratanda township in Heidelberg that the government would attend to their grievances, but insisted that the law will take its course against those who were involved in criminal activities.

Mthethwa, who was accompanied by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Richard Baloyi and Deputy Defence Minister Thabang Makwetla, addressed a rowdy crowd outside a hostel, who informed the minister about what had caused the riots in the area on Monday.

Residents, who are unhappy with what they called ridiculous electricity billing and service charges, have burned a multipurpose community centre, community hall, library and five houses belonging to ward councillors.

Mthethwa told the residents that a task team comprising government officials from national, provincial and local government and community leaders would be formed and start addressing their demands.

"Before we make suggestions we need to be sure of the things you say. We hear that you are ANC supporters and the ANC leadership will look into your grievances.

"We hear that electricity is the issue that affects everybody and no explanation has been given as to why it is so expensive. We will make recommendations on what to do.

"But we will meet community leaders immediately after this meeting to discuss the way forward," he said.

Angry residents had told the government delegation, which included their mayor, Lerato Maloka, that they could not afford to pay for electricity because it was expensive. Some said they had their electricity cut off though they were paying.

Later Mthethwa told journalists at Heidelberg police station that while the government had committed itself to find a solution into the residents' problem, those who engaged in criminal activities should face the law.

"We must separate that (issues causing discontent) from issues of lawlessness. No matter how angry, people cannot be allowed to damage property," he said.

There have also been protests in Evaton, south of Johannesburg, which were allegedly sparked by rumours of satanism at a local church.

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