Community shut down town

The Mogalakwena Municipality expressed its disappointment with regards to the intimidation of businesses to shut their doors on Friday as part of a the protest action. The municipality said that the action was ‘unconstitutional.’
Streets in the central business area was deserted after the Mogalakwena Residents Association (MRA) called for a complete shutdown while the bail application of the three men accused of Charles Mgidi’s murder was heard in the Mokopane Magistrate.
Heavy police presence and barb wire were placed around the courts as precautionary measures were taken while a packed court room awaited the outcome of the magistrate. The state attorney repeatedly reminded the magistrate that the application was turning into mini-trial as the defense advocate was cross-examining state witnesses. Ultimately, bail was not granted.
“We call on everyone (businesses, schools, government institutions etc) in this municipality that from today and in the near future not to involve themselves in any form of [intimidatory] activities. We also call upon members of the law enforcement agencies to protect the rights of members of the community in doing their day-to-day activities,” said the mayor of the Mogalakwena Municipality, Thlalefi Mashamaite.
Mashamaite furthermore stated that the intimidators’ behaviour is unacceptable and refers to South Africa being a constitutional state. “Therefore no individual’s rights should be trampled upon by anybody,” he added.
“As a municipality, we denounce any form of criminality and warn community members to continue to respect the rule of law as it must reign supreme ultimately.”
Although proceedings at court were under control and non-violent, some businesses claimed to have been threatened when they refused to close.
Incidents of looting were also reported. Schools closed earlier as concerned parents collected their children, causing one primary school principal to caution parents against over-reacting.