MOHITA Latchminarain has warned residents not to take part in criminal activities under the disguise of service delivery protests.
The Mpumalanga public works, roads and transport MEC was speaking during a visit to Marongwane near Bushbuckridge on Friday, 27 May.
This after protesting residents went on the rampage, setting alight five trucks and assaulting drivers on the R40.
Latchminarain was accompanied by Councillor Jabu Madalane, Bushbuckridge chief whip Bhunu Malandule, technical services and safety MMC Prince Sambo, as well as infrastructural development MMC Bazuka Nkuna.
She said an assessment would be done on the D3975 Road, that links Marongwane to Mkhuhlu and the R40.
“The department will send a team in July to do an assessment for traffic volume, population served and economic activity along the route,” she said.
“In the meantime, the department will ensure the road is maintained, usable and safe, ensure vegetation control, drain cleaning and occasional re-gravelling.”
Resident Sizwe Mpangane said they appreciated the MEC’s visit.
“We have peace of mind and violence has ceased as service delivery is underway now,” he said.
During the week-long protest, residents blocked the R40, demanding a tarred road, electricity and water – actions that Mayor Sylvia Nxumalo described as criminal activity.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said: “Police are following leads and hope to make arrests soon.”
