Executive Mayor, Gregory Nthatisi has called for calm, lawful engagement and the restoration of public order following recent unrest and incidents of looting in parts of Bloemfontein and Botshabelo.
The appeal comes after the National Service Delivery Forum (NSDF) organised a peaceful shutdown across Mangaung, which later escalated into widespread looting and public violence in several townships. More than 140 suspects have since been arrested in connection with the unrest.
Speaking on the matter, NSDF chairperson Potso Motoko said the organisation did not anticipate the looting and violence that followed the shutdown. “Our plan was to shut down the metro and the provincial government that is failing us. We are going to march to those offices that are not addressing our issues,” Motoko said.
The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) acknowledged that communities may have legitimate concerns relating to unemployment, crime, illegal business practices, pressure on public services and broader socio-economic challenges. However, it stressed that violence, intimidation, looting and the destruction of property could not be justified. “None of these grievances justify lawlessness, violence, looting, intimidation, destruction of property, or the disruption of schooling and essential public services,” the statement read.
The municipality further warned that attacks on businesses and ongoing criminal activity undermine the rule of law, threaten public safety and weaken local economic activity at a time when the city is attempting to stabilise service delivery and rebuild investor confidence.
Compiled by Clement Matroos
