Politicised police continue to suppress Mogalakwena residents
26 January 2015
Note to editors: The following remarks were made by Mmusi Maimane MP, DA Parliamentary Leader, to protesting residents of Mogalakwena Municipality in Limpopo outside the Mokopane Police Station. This is the the second stop Maimane has made in Mokopane, as part of his Power to the People tour, to consult South Africans on the real state of the nation. Maimane was accompanied by by DA Limpopo Provincial Leader, Jacques Smalle MPL.
I have returned to Mogalakwena today because I believe in the fight you are fighting.
It is time for you, the residents of Mogalakwena, to take back the power from corrupt officials, and a police force that is serving their political masters instead of protecting your communities.
Corruption and police brutality have no place in our democracy. We must return the power to the people!
I am proud to be gathered here with you in solidarity for the suffering you are enduring from a lack of service delivery, while ANC Councillors wage a factional battle for control of the municipality's resources.
When I was here last week, I saw first-hand how service delivery has ground to a halt, with rubbish piling up, sewage pipes leaking and no water in your taps. I saw how riot police were deployed to silence your protests.
Yesterday, the police turned on you and fired at you with rubber bullets when you gathered to plan today's march.
I have visited those who were injured. I commend their bravery, and willingness to stand up against corruption and police brutality.
They are attempting to take back their power, and I will fight for them to do so.
It is a sad day for our democracy when members of the police force resort to violence to silence communities who are simply seeking access to the basic services to which they are entitled.
The National Police Commissioner must come here to Mogalakwena and explain why nothing is being done about the riot police reporting to a local ANC faction to suppress residents. We demand that action be taken immediately to stop the suppression of residents.
I have also laid a complaint with the Independent Police Complaints Directorate against riot police here. Police officers acting under political instructions must be suspended from their duties.
Today you the residents are showing that your desire for a corruption-free municipality, and a government that delivers services, is no match for the police. You have returned to protest today to make sure that your voice is heard.
We stand here united against the capture of state power for personal gain. We stand against corruption and greed, and public officials who have forsaken their duty to serve.
We will not allow these corrupt officials to take the power away from the people who voted for them.
I can see that you are desperate for leaders that will fight to keep the lights on and the water running, instead of fighting over who gets to benefit from municipal tenders.
But this problem is one that runs deeper than the corruption in your municipality. The officials are following an example that is being set at the highest level of government. As long as the Councillors in your community are following President Zuma's example, you will continue to suffer without services.
That is why in 2016 you must vote to take back the power, and vote for a government that will serve your needs.
Your power is in your vote, and nobody can take that away from you.
Power to the People! Amandla!
Issued by the DA, January 26 2015
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
