Government warns Tshwane protesters: violence and intimidation won’t be tolerated

21 June 2016 - 09:53 By Kingdom Mabuza

Government has urged residents of Tshwane to choose dialogue instead of violence to resolve their dispute. Government’s appeal comes after residents of the capital city went on the rampage after the African National Congress (ANC) overlooked their preferred candidates for the mayoral position. The ANC went against the wishes of branch members who had chosen to be led by either the current mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa or the regional deputy chairperson Mapiti Matsena.Instead the ANC opted for former cabinet minister Thoko Didiza on Monday to avoid fierce contestation between Ramokgopa and Matsena.‘It is #ANCThugs not #TshwaneUnrest’#TshwaneUnrest trended on Twitter as community protests continued on Tuesday following the announcement of Thoko Didiza as the African National Congress' mayoral candidate for Tshwane. But branch members’ rejection of that intervention by the national leadership led to violent community protests in Tshwane. Acting director-general of the Government Communication and Information System Donald Liphoko appealed for calm."Government appeals for calm in all areas around the City of Tshwane and the peaceful resolution of differences‚" he said.Liphoko has warned that violence and damage to property and infringing on others’ rights and free movement would not be tolerated by law enforcement agencies."Whilst all South Africans have the constitutional right to protest‚ government reiterates its condemnation against any form of violence and intimidation during protests and encourages continued dialogue to resolve differences”‚ said Liphoko.TMG Digital..

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