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S. African government warns against pre-election violence

Xinhua, June 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

The South African government on Thursday warned against escalating violence prior to the local government elections.

"Those found to be committing acts of criminality will be dealt with decisively by law enforcement agencies," the government said in a statement.

This came after election-related acts of criminality hit parts of the country.

In the latest incident, a police officer was killed, two others disarmed, an ambulance damaged and a fire department vehicle stoned during protests in Diepsloot north of Johannesburg. The protests were reportedly as a result of the community not having power and water for the past three days.

In another incident earlier, a member of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), Simon Modige was shot dead in Tshwane (Pretoria) during the outbreak of violence which took place at the outskirts of a meeting held to report to branches on the ANC mayoral candidate for Tshwane. His death followed unrest in the city last week during which approximately 40 people were arrested for allegedly participating in the acts of criminality.

The government strongly condemns the recent incidents of looting and destruction of property that have been reported over the past weeks in areas that have been affected by protests across the country, said Donald Liphoko, Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

"Government wishes to reiterate that although people have the right to protest, they should do so within the confines of the law and without infringing on the rights of others. Those found to be committing acts of criminality will be dealt with decisively by law enforcement agencies," he said.

As the local government elections are approaching, the government calls upon the public to support the government and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in ensuring the safety of citizens as well as free and fair elections, Liphoko said.

"We cannot accept wrongdoing in communities in the guise of service delivery protest and will do all in our power to ensure the stability and security of citizens," said Liphoko.

South Africa is to hold local government elections on August 3. The ANC and opposition parties are locked in a fierce competition to win over major municipalities like Johannesburg and Tshwane. Endit