Sol Plaatje’s spokesperson, Sello Matsie, calls for calm in the small town, adding there is no need for criminal behaviour, naming the torching of the municipal services centre and the threats made against municipal employees and journalists this week as such. Matsie calls on the local police to assist in protecting community members’ lives and their property from such acts of criminality.

Matsie says “legitimate concerns of the community about unemployment and poverty should not be hijacked for selfish reasons”. He says the local municipality will engage with the Northern Cape Department of Roads and Public Works on allegations of corruption made in connection with a controversial road project underway in the area.

A tender meant for upgrading a road leading to the town lies at the centre of the unrest. Ritchie residents are crying foul over appointments made in the project, alleging certain people have been contracted due to their government connections, as opposed to merit. They primarily blame ward councillors for this issue. Roads in the area were blocked this week with stones, and a municipal building was torched as already indicated.

Northern Cape police spokesperson, Mohale Ramatseba, tells OFM News the situation in Ritchie has calmed down somewhat and public order police will continue to monitor the area.

OFM News