Dark smoke engulfed parts of Lusikisiki yesterday as hundreds of villagers from three wards blockaded the R61 between the town and Port St Johns.By late afternoon, police and residents were engaged in a pitched battle as police fired teargas and rubber bullets.
As tensions escalated, residents responded by hurling stones at the 20-strong police contingent, who then retreated to a safe distance before fetching an armoured vehicle from the local police station.
Protesters allegedly stoned vehicles carrying tourists who tried to pass while the protests were under way.
Ward 20 councillor Nontyantyambo Diniso’s vehicle was torched yesterday and her house stoned, and a car belonging to councillor Phazamile Ngxamile was pelted with stones when
he tried to pass through the blockade.
Ngxamile, of Ward 21, was assaulted and his car taken when he allegedly drew his firearm and pointed it at the protesters.
The protests started two weeks ago in some villages as residents demanded that their councillors resign and not stand in the upcoming elections.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, resident Nkosinathi Mkhumbuzi said the community wanted Ngxamile to leave.
He accused Ngxamile of hiding membership forms of ANC members to prevent them from participating in a branch general meeting.
“We do not want Ngxamile to lead us for a third term. He is causing divisions in the community and the ANC. We are saying he must leave, we want any other person but Ngxamile. He was never elected by the majority of the people,” said Mkhumbuzi.
He accused Ngxamile of pointing a gun at residents on Monday.
“The people advanced towards him and he tried to shoot, unaware that his magazine had fallen out. He ran away and his firearm fell. The community took it to the police.”
The incident was confirmed by Lusikisiki station commander Colonel David Kanuka. “There is one car that was burnt to ashes.
“Another vehicle belonging to a councillor was pelted with stones. We have made arrests and they will appear in court (today).
“They have been charged with assault intended to cause grievous bodily harm.”
Ngxamile has head injuries and a broken finger from the incident.
He denied pointing a gun at protesting residents and said his 9mm pistol was grabbed by a resident while he was driving.
“When I passed through , they grabbed my gun and the magazine fell down.
“I got out of the car and walked towards them when they started attacking me.”
Yesterday's protests inconvenienced those travelling between Lusikisiki and Mthatha as well as the local taxi industry, with Ncedo taxi rank manager Mphathi Xawuka saying the protest had cost them a lot of money.
“If the municipality continues to ignore residents, we will understand if they shut down the municipality so that they can resolve the matter.”
Ngquza municipal speaker Mjokovane condemned the road blockade. “These are people who do not want to accept internal democracy. The leadership has been addressing them for some time. We do not understand why they are continuing with the protest when the organisation has not responded to their grievances yet.”
By 5pm yesterday, tyres were still burning, and the road was still blockaded.
The Dispatch understands that more wards will join today’s protest. — abongilem@dispatch.co.za
R61 blockaded as villagers rampage
By late afternoon, police and residents were engaged in a pitched battle as police fired teargas and rubber bullets.
As tensions escalated, residents responded by hurling stones at the 20-strong police contingent, who then retreated to a safe distance before fetching an armoured vehicle from the local police station.
Protesters allegedly stoned vehicles carrying tourists who tried to pass while the protests were under way.
Ward 20 councillor Nontyantyambo Diniso’s vehicle was torched yesterday and her house stoned, and a car belonging to councillor Phazamile Ngxamile was pelted with stones when
he tried to pass through the blockade.
Ngxamile, of Ward 21, was assaulted and his car taken when he allegedly drew his firearm and pointed it at the protesters.
The protests started two weeks ago in some villages as residents demanded that their councillors resign and not stand in the upcoming elections.
Speaking to the Daily Dispatch yesterday, resident Nkosinathi Mkhumbuzi said the community wanted Ngxamile to leave.
He accused Ngxamile of hiding membership forms of ANC members to prevent them from participating in a branch general meeting.
“We do not want Ngxamile to lead us for a third term. He is causing divisions in the community and the ANC. We are saying he must leave, we want any other person but Ngxamile. He was never elected by the majority of the people,” said Mkhumbuzi.
He accused Ngxamile of pointing a gun at residents on Monday.
“The people advanced towards him and he tried to shoot, unaware that his magazine had fallen out. He ran away and his firearm fell. The community took it to the police.”
The incident was confirmed by Lusikisiki station commander Colonel David Kanuka. “There is one car that was burnt to ashes.
“Another vehicle belonging to a councillor was pelted with stones. We have made arrests and they will appear in court (today).
“They have been charged with assault intended to cause grievous bodily harm.”
Ngxamile has head injuries and a broken finger from the incident.
He denied pointing a gun at protesting residents and said his 9mm pistol was grabbed by a resident while he was driving.
“When I passed through , they grabbed my gun and the magazine fell down.
“I got out of the car and walked towards them when they started attacking me.”
Yesterday's protests inconvenienced those travelling between Lusikisiki and Mthatha as well as the local taxi industry, with Ncedo taxi rank manager Mphathi Xawuka saying the protest had cost them a lot of money.
“If the municipality continues to ignore residents, we will understand if they shut down the municipality so that they can resolve the matter.”
Ngquza municipal speaker Mjokovane condemned the road blockade. “These are people who do not want to accept internal democracy. The leadership has been addressing them for some time. We do not understand why they are continuing with the protest when the organisation has not responded to their grievances yet.”
By 5pm yesterday, tyres were still burning, and the road was still blockaded.
The Dispatch understands that more wards will join today’s protest. — abongilem@dispatch.co.za
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