Police have arrested seven individuals, including a minor, for public violence following a failed attempt to shut down Kimberley on Monday. The group allegedly blockaded the N8 near Kimberley Airport at Greenpoint, disrupting traffic before being taken into custody.
The protest, organized by the Kimberley Action Group, saw a small group of residents march to the office of Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul. They demanded the dissolution of the Sol Plaatje Municipal Council, the removal of Council Speaker Dipuo Peters, and investigations into alleged corruption within the municipality.
Residents Demand Accountability
Protesters voiced frustrations over persistent sewage spills, high electricity tariffs, and the deteriorating state of the city. They also called for the dismissal of Municipal Manager Tapel Matlala and underperforming directors.
Additionally, the group questioned how the municipality plans to allocate a R2.5 billion grant from the National Treasury’s Budget Facility for Infrastructure.
“All we want is affordable services. We want jobs in our community, and we want to be treated with dignity,” one protester said. “The sewer must stop flowing in our communities, and officials in the municipality need to be held accountable.”
Residents claim their grievances have been ignored for too long. “We are sick and tired of corrupt officials and leaders who are not being held accountable,” another demonstrator said. “That cabinet of the premier must go out. They don’t do their work. I am suffering. Our old ladies are suffering.”
Premier Responds to Demands
In response, Premier Saul clarified that he does not have the authority to unilaterally remove municipal leaders. “Don’t leave here with a misconception that I can wake up and remove a mayor. I can’t do that,” he said. “The provincial executive committee of the ANC that appointed these mayors can remove them.”
Ahead of the protest, the Sol Plaatje Municipality issued a statement urging residents to report corruption allegations to law enforcement. The municipality also disputed some of the protesters’ claims, calling them “based on distorted facts.”
Further Protests Loom
The Kimberley Action Group has warned that if their demands are not met, they will mobilize for more demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the seven arrested individuals remain in custody as police continue their investigation.
