THE ANC in Sekhukhune is worried about the safety of its mayors, speakers, chief whips and ward councillors after a sizeable number of them were attacked in several incidents in recent months.
The matter topped the agenda at an ANC regional meeting this week after a report from the region's five local municipalities claimed that a former mayor and five councillors where attacked by either angry community members or criminals between 2010 and January this year.
The attacks allegedly took place during or after protest marches over service delivery or at night while the victims were sleeping.
The police said more often than not the attackers assaulted the victims or set their houses or vehicles alight. The damage caused by the incidents was estimated at about R5-million.
ANC spokesman in Sekhukhune, Kgopelo Phasha, said yesterday that the victims included ward councillor Minor Tshoshane and Elias Magaga of Elias Motsoaledi, Enicca Mogafe, Jeanette Mashengoane of greater Tubatse local municipality and its former mayor Ace Mamekoea.
He said the latest incident occurred when a councillor in the Makhuduthamaga local municipality, Mera Mahlase, was held hostage by residents of Ga-Phaahla village a fortnight ago.
"The incident took place when the councillor was trying to calm down incensed villagers who took to the streets to protest against the lack of water in the area."
Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, Sekhukhune district municipality mayor David Magabe said most of these attacks took place during the night when the victims where sleeping with their families or during protest marches.
"Our belief is that one incident is one too many. We will take the matter to the provincial leadership of the ANC so that the matter can get necessary attention at national level.
"We have pleaded with the police in and around the region to ensure that our councillors are safe while on duty and after work, (especially in) crime-infested areas," he said.
Sekhukhune police spokesman Sergeant Dithomo Kgaphola said they always send officers to protest marches to control the situation and arrest those who take the law into their own hands.
Sekhukhune councillors live in fear after attacks
THE ANC in Sekhukhune is worried about the safety of its mayors, speakers, chief whips and ward councillors after a sizeable number of them were attacked in several incidents in recent months.
The matter topped the agenda at an ANC regional meeting this week after a report from the region's five local municipalities claimed that a former mayor and five councillors where attacked by either angry community members or criminals between 2010 and January this year.
The attacks allegedly took place during or after protest marches over service delivery or at night while the victims were sleeping.
The police said more often than not the attackers assaulted the victims or set their houses or vehicles alight. The damage caused by the incidents was estimated at about R5-million.
ANC spokesman in Sekhukhune, Kgopelo Phasha, said yesterday that the victims included ward councillor Minor Tshoshane and Elias Magaga of Elias Motsoaledi, Enicca Mogafe, Jeanette Mashengoane of greater Tubatse local municipality and its former mayor Ace Mamekoea.
He said the latest incident occurred when a councillor in the Makhuduthamaga local municipality, Mera Mahlase, was held hostage by residents of Ga-Phaahla village a fortnight ago.
"The incident took place when the councillor was trying to calm down incensed villagers who took to the streets to protest against the lack of water in the area."
Speaking to Sowetan yesterday, Sekhukhune district municipality mayor David Magabe said most of these attacks took place during the night when the victims where sleeping with their families or during protest marches.
"Our belief is that one incident is one too many. We will take the matter to the provincial leadership of the ANC so that the matter can get necessary attention at national level.
"We have pleaded with the police in and around the region to ensure that our councillors are safe while on duty and after work, (especially in) crime-infested areas," he said.
Sekhukhune police spokesman Sergeant Dithomo Kgaphola said they always send officers to protest marches to control the situation and arrest those who take the law into their own hands.
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