KwaZulu-Natal co-operative governance MEC Nomusa Dube has condemned a violent protest in the Mombeni area, eShowe.
|||Durban - KwaZulu-Natal co-operative governance MEC Nomusa Dube has condemned a violent protest in the Mombeni area, eShowe.
“While we acknowledge the right to protest as enshrined in the constitution of the Republic, we encourage all people of South Africa to march or protest within the confines of the law, and not destroy or damage property or infrastructure, as this is a straight criminal offence,” Dube said on Wednesday.
Department spokesman Lennox Mabaso said residents of Mombeni marched on Tuesday against Inkosi (chief) Sfiso Biyela, who was accused of fraud and corruption.
Residents of Mombeni vandalised a traditional administrative centre which served as a pension pay-out point and was used by the departments of home affairs and health, Mabaso said.
“If there is a challenge, communities should engage with all levels of government, my door as an MEC responsible for traditional leaders and municipalities is wide open, yet none of the concerned members made an effort to reach us,” Dube said.
Biyela was reportedly demanding bribes from contractors who were providing services in the Mombeni area.
No arrests were made during the march. - Sapa