Local Government MEC condemns violent protest action

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 Eastern Cape Local Government MEC, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, has called on the police and the courts to show no mercy towards people inciting violence and destroying property.

The call comes after two community protests in Ngqamakhwe and Lusikisiki in the past few days nearly derailed the writing of matric exams at schools in those areas.

Twenty-six people appeared in court on Tuesday following a protest at Ngqamakhwe on Monday which nearly disrupted the writing of the matric exams had it not been for the intervention of the police.

Community protests in Cookhouse also led to the torching of a municipal building last week.

Qoboshiyane says local councils must reach out when discontent arises and that violence needs to be nipped in the bud.