Free State police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, tells OFM News that a group of people have since 22:00 pm on Sunday night been attempting to put up barricades, like burning tyres and rocks. This was mere hours before the Matjhabeng Community Foundation was to take to the streets in what they said would be a peaceful protest, calling for the removal of the embattled Executive Mayor, Nkosinjani Speelman. Makhele says thus far four people have been arrested for public violence. He comments on other incidences.

“Later about 20 people tried to block the road towards Tisha Vanga circle with burning tyres and the crowd was dispersed the road was also cleared. Motorists can access and use the road, but with caution as the situation can change at any stage. There is much visibility of the police deployed throughout the district. The situation is currently under control,” says Makhele.

Secretary for the Foundation, Shima Mahlatsi, previously told OFM News, that aside from minor traffic disturbances expected in Constantia Street, Koppie Alleen Road and Stateway Street in Welkom, residents taking part in the demonstration have vowed to keep the march free of any violence or intimidation. It appears that community members have reneged on this promise.

He warns that the situation would deteriorate only if the foundation’s demands are not met.  “If the mayor is not gone in 14 days, hell will break loose. This is what the masses are saying not only the organisers of the march. But I am guaranteeing you that tomorrow will be peaceful,” says Mahlatsi.

Mahlatsi says there are various reasons why they want Speelman to step down, this includes poor service delivery in Welkom, Allanridge, Hennenman and Odendaalsrus, amongst others. He argues that when Speelman was elected into power, he appointed members of mayoral committees (MMCs). These individuals are supposed to lead their respective divisions at the municipality. He stresses that when these divisions fail to function, it is a reflection of Speelman’s inability to hold the MMC’s accountable, and that is “why he must go”.

Speelman is no stranger to controversy. In 2020 he was suspended by the African National Congress’ (ANC’s) Free State disciplinary committee after a video of him making use of racial slurs when referring to the coloured community in Bronville surfaced on social media. This was in an address to members of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) who were deployed to the area to enforce Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. The Committee slapped him with an 18-month ban from party activities. This decision was late eased by the national disciplinary appeals committee.

OFM News