Pretoria - The return of stability in Wesselton, Mpumalanga, has been welcomed by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Sicelo Shiceka.
The settlement has been calm today after days of violent protests that left one resident dead.
While welcoming the return to calm, Shiceka has undertaken to be in constant contact and discussions with the provincial political leadership in order to monitor the situation closely and ensure that incidents of that nature seen since Sunday are averted before they actually erupt.
"We have always maintained that people have the constitutionally guaranteed right to protest, but the destruction of property, criminal activity and attacks are totally uncalled for and should always be dealt with by law enforcement agencies," he said.
Shiceka has been assured by the Mpumalanga leadership that a solution would be reached in time to allow for peaceful proceeding in the upcoming local government elections in the region.
The department has also sent a response team, led by a Deputy Director General, and will be meeting with Msukaligwa Local Municipality officials.
Police Commissioner General Bheki Cele deployed more police officers to closely monitor the situation, a move also welcomed by Shiceka.
"I am happy and support the deployment of the South African Police Service in the area, as it sends a strong message that government respects people's right to raise their unhappiness, but this has to be done with respect of the country's laws," he said.
The police will continue to maintain law and order in the area and protect the rights of other law abiding residents who are not participating in the violence.
Shiceka has denounced the recent outbreak of violent protests in Ermelo and Wesselton under Msukaligwa municipality, which has resulted in the unnecessary destruction of infrastructure that is meant for the benefit of the community.
