Mzombane in Mokopane, Limpopo, has been suffering from a lack of basic infrastructure, including electricity, running water, roads, schools and clinics.
The community of Mzombane, led by Agang SA supporters, approached the Mayor of Mogalakwena to discuss their concerns about standards of living and lack of service delivery. They were promised an audience at 1pm today, but on arrival for the agreed meeting the Mayor, T Mashamaite, did not appear.
Instead, a local councillor came in his place and in a bizarre twist, told the assembled community members that those who wanted candles, food parcels and jobs should follow him. Preliminary reports from the meeting show that he was told to leave by the people whose concerns were not being addressed. The meeting ended in chaos.
Subsequently, three Agang SA members were rounded up and arrested; charges are unconfirmed. They were held in the Mahwelereng police station while members of the community were outside demanding their release. Following intervention by the local leadership of Agang SA, they were released pending a court appearance.
“Agang SA is in contact with the community and its members on the ground to provide legal advice and support to secure their release. We are following the situation closely and will provide updates as soon as we have more information,” said Thabo Leshilo, Director of Communications for Agang SA.
The three Agang SA supporters later had their case postponed. The magistrate ruled that more time was required to investigate the charge of malicious damage to property.
Agang SA’s Director of Communications Thabo Leshilo joined around 60 Agang SA supporters in Mahwelereng court.
“Agang SA is providing on-going legal support to these citizens. They were released without bail and the case will now be heard on the 31st July,” said Leshilo.