Protests in Phomolong, Free State, over the poor conditions of their local police station have led to disrupted schools and public violence. The Democratic Alliance politician plans to take up the issue with relevant parties. Image: Facebook/George Michalakis MP.
Schools disrupted as Phomolong residents barricade streets
Residents of Phomolong, Free State, took to the streets on Monday, barricading most of the roads in the area and disrupting schools.
Protests in Phomolong, Free State, over the poor conditions of their local police station have led to disrupted schools and public violence. The Democratic Alliance politician plans to take up the issue with relevant parties. Image: Facebook/George Michalakis MP.
Residents of Phomolong, Free State, allegedly barricaded most of the streets in the suburb on Monday, 17 April. Schools in the area have been disrupted, and the local police have opened a case of public violence.
TROUBLE CONTINUES IN PHOMOLONG
In a statement on Monday morning, the Free State police said residents also attempted to barricade the R70 road at approximately 00:00 but were thwarted by members of the Public Order Police. The South African Police Service (SAPS) did not clarify what the protest action was related to, but it appears to be related to protests in the area last week.
“The group then went in from of Phomolong Satellite Police Station and demanded to speak to the MEC and Provincial Commissioner of the Free State, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane.
“The situation is still tense as a group of about 350 are gathering with main roads in Phomolong are barricaded with burning tyres, rubbish, big stones and trees,” said Captain Stephen Thakeng.
Thakeng said a case of public violence had been opened, and the Welkom Public Order Police and Crime Intelligence units remain on the ground.
Democratic Alliance politician to take up the issue with relevant parties
Democratic Alliance (DA) MP and Permanent Delegate to the National Council of Provinces for the Free State, George Michalakis, said on Sunday that the protests in Phomolong last week were over the satellite police station in the area.
“The community, understandably, need police presence to ensure a safer neighbourhood – the closest other station is 10km away, in Hennenman! However, the satellite [sic] station building belongs to the municipality and is rented by Public Works on behalf of the SAPS. It is falling apart,” Michalakis.
During an oversight visit, politicians found that only one toilet at the station was working, there is a rat infestation, there was no landline or radio, and all the outside lights were not functional.
“Dedicated police officers also deserve to work in a dignified environment that allows them to do their job.
“The DA will be taking this up with the municipality, Public Works and SAPS and fight for a better facility in the interest of both the community and the officers serving them,” said the MP.
On Tuesday, 11 April, 18 people were arrested in connection with a service delivery protest in Phomolong.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY STORM SIMPSON
READ:
- WATCH LIVE: Dr Nandipha Magudumana, three others back in court for helping Bester escape
- Zuma fraud and corruption trial expected to resume with new judge
- Dr Nandipha Magudumana back in court alongside her father and two others
- Delegation returns to SA after securing deportation of escaped rapist Thabo Bester from Tanzania
- Cheapskates? Zikalala orders probe into non-payment of rent by government employees
