ANC slams 'enemy comrades' in Kliptown protest over election candidate

27 July 2016 - 16:51 By Neo Goba

With just five days to go before the local government elections kick off with special votes‚ residents of Kliptown in Soweto took to the streets on Wednesday over their unhappiness about a councillor candidate put forward by the African National Congress.Speaking to TMG Digital‚ ANC Johannesburg spokesperson Jolidee Matongo said that some Kliptown members are dissatisfied over the selection of Pamela Sibanyoni‚ councillor for ward 19 in Soweto."The protest is about some disgruntled members of the ANC who would have preferred a particular candidate to stand as a councillor candidate in the ward‚" said Matongo."When the ANC pronounced a different councillor candidate‚ they were very disappointed and they insisted that they want their own candidate and not the one that the ANC put forward."Matongo said the ruling party was unapologetic about its selection of Sibanyoni."We are very clear‚ if people are standing in the path of the ANC towards victory‚ those comrades have defined themselves as the enemy of the ANC‚" he said.Gauteng Police spokesperson Lieutenant Kay Makhubela Police told TMG Digital that six people have been arrested due to the violence in the area."The police are currently in the area monitoring the situation but I can confirm that the situation is calm. We managed to arrest six people and they will appear in court within the next 48 hours‚" said Makhubela.The suspects will appear in the Protea Magistrates Court.The six were among scores of unruly youths who pelted police with stones.Earlier‚ the iconic and historic Kliptown township‚ situated in the heart of Soweto‚ was covered with smoke from burning tyres and other objects. Roads — which are being revamped — were trashed with litter.Large and small shops surrounding the area were closed for fear of looting.Protesters blocked train lines‚ bringing rail operations to a halt.Attempts to get hold of a Metrorail representative drew a blank...

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