Government Condemns Talks of Violence Or Vandalism Around the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project
Government has strongly condemned talks of violence or vandalism around the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project (GFIP).
This follows the alleged warning by Cosatu’s provincial secretary Dumisani Dakile who was quoted in the media saying they would demolish the Gauteng e- toll gantries if government failed to scrap the tolls.
"Government respects the rights of any organized formation or individuals to engage in public demonstration. Government believes that those engaging in public demonstration should do so within the law.
"Government will not tolerate destruction of property or disregard for the effort that goes into making South Africa a better place. Government calls on those who will be taking part in the planned march to act within the law," said the Inter- Ministerial Committee on the GFIP, in a statement on Friday.
Cosatu has organized a protest march in Tshwane and Johannesburg – against the Gauteng e-tolling system.
Business Unity South Africa (Busa) said while they acknowledged that the protest march against e-tolling was protected, they however felt the rule of law should be respected and protesters should refrain from intimidation and violence.
"BUSA condemns the demolition of the e-toll gantries as being outside the recognized rules of engagement for protest action.
"We call on all those that will be partaking in the protest action to be responsible. Should any violence erupt and if property is damaged, we call on government to take strong action and for COSATU to take responsibility and be held accountable," said Busa in a statement.
Meanwhile, the Tshwane Metro Police said they were ready for the protest march and they will work with members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that the march proceeded smoothly.
Source: SAnews
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Category: Africa
