Sakhile still burns amid protests

01 October 2009 - 02:00
By unknown

SINCE last Friday, Sakhile township in Standerton has been on fire, with residents protesting against the alleged corruption and maladministration in their municipality.

Sakhile has been inaccessible for almost a week now because of violent protests.

But the municipality accuses the residents of not formally reporting their grievances to it.

Several government properties have been destroyed and major roads were blocked with burning tyres.

Residents demand that all councillors resign following a provincial government report that uncovered corruption and maladministration.

Spokesperson Simphiwe Kunene said: "A team of experts are investigating R30 million that allegedly went missing."

He said if residents were wrongly billed they would be credited.

Yesterday the situation was still tense, with protesters setting buildings on fire for a third day running.

Twenty-four people were arrested. - Alfred Moselakgomo