Mpumalanga Police Commissioner applauds officials on the arrest made on protesters at Seabe

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Mpumalanga Police Commissioner condemns the violence and disruptions by community members in Seabe on Thursday where school learners and teachers were forced out of schools.

Page3 had reported on Thursday about several community members who engaged in a protest and took learners out of schools saying department of basic education failed to prepare schools reopening amid Covid-19 pandemic.

They said there is no proper sanitation in schools that would guarantee learners and teachers immunity from Covid-19.

Commissioner Lt Gen Mondli Zuma said such acts will not be allowed and anyone found in violation will have to face the consequences.

“As custodians of the law, we cannot allow this anarchy to rule and continue unabated, hence the arrest. I strongly hold a view that despite the concerns that people might have, however, they cannot be allowed to be unruly. I therefore urge the community to desist from perpetuating violence as a means to air their grievances,” said General Zuma.

Gen Zuma said the decision by the government to reopen schools was through the advise of executive authority of the National Command Council and scientists, proper precautions were followed, he said.

He also expressed disappointment at the involvement of a 77 years old senior citizen at the protest and a local councillor.

“It is therefore unacceptable that when police are responding to allegations of lawlessness, they discover that an elderly citizen as well as a public representative are the ones inciting such a despicable act”

13 suspects aged between 20 and 77 years old were arrested on the day and two vehicles that were used to transport them were also seized.

They allegedly started forcefully removing learners and teachers in Ramoshidi, moved to Seabe High School and were later arrested at Dikotelo.

They all made a brief appearance at Mbibana Magistrate Court on Friday and were released on R 500 bail each, due to make appearance on August 12, 2020.

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