Cyril Ramaphosa worries about Tshwane violence’s ‘tribalistic undertones’

21 June 2016 - 20:25 By Genevieve Quintal

The issue of mayoral candidates needs to be discussed but it is concerning that “tribalistic” undertones are being expressed‚ Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday. Speaking following a meeting of the presidential labour working group at the Union Buildings in Pretoria‚ Ramaphosa referred to reports that residents in Atteridgeville were questioning how a Zulu-speaking person from KwaZulu-Natal could lead in the capital city dominated by Pedi‚ Tshonga and Tshwana speakers.The deputy president said this went against the values enshrined in the country’s Constitution.He also said that those perpetrating violence in Tshwane should be arrested‚ and that violence should not be used to settle problems.Violent protests engulfed townships in the Tshwane region following the announcement that ANC MP Thoko Didiza was chosen to lead the party in the metro.We know the people behind #Tshwane violence: State Security MinisterGovernment says it knows the people behind the violent protests which has engulfed the City of Tshwane in the past 24 hours. Roads were blocked with burning debris‚ shops looted and vehicles torched as angry ANC members called for mayor Kgosientso “Sputla” Ramokgopa to be returned to his position after the August 3 election.“There has to be a very clear message … SA does not tolerate violence and we call on all our people in Tshwane to desist and find better ways (of dealing with problems)‚” Ramaphosa said.Gauteng police said they had mobilised additional resources to curb the raging protests‚ and condemned the criminality of some protesters.Don't panic‚ government tells Tshwane residentsGovernment has rejected a SMS circulating on social media which warned citizens that violence was escalating and people should not leave public places. Provincial Commissioner Lt General Deliwe de Lange said anyone found committing a crime will be arrested immediately.Already cases of murder‚ malicious damage to property‚ intimidation have been opened‚ the SAPS said in a statement. The province has established a joint operation centre that will manage policing in protest areas. The centre comprises roleplayers from all law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders."All police members including those who are on rest days have been mobilised and will assist with policing in these areas. These members will also include members from the divisions at head office‚" the SAPS said‚ adding "Police are appealing to community members to remain calm and not to be involved in criminal activities"...

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