Illegal protests cost Gauteng R10-million
Since June 1 this year, illegal protests have cost the Gauteng province more than R10-million.
This is according to a response from Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane to written questions from the DA.
Johannesburg recorded the highest number of protests with 110, while Ekurhuleni and Tshwane recorded 84 and 35 respectively.
According to DA Gauteng shadow MEC for Infrastructure Development, Alan Fuchs, there have been 229 illegal protests within this period, and of this 131 protests were directly linked to service delivery.
“The cost in damages and police services required to control these protests is R10 210 500 in just three months.
“The DA supports the right of South Africans to peaceful and law-abiding protest; violence at such events is never acceptable and clearly costs the public dearly,” says Fuchs.
“Government must respond to residents before they feel the need to embark on illegal and destructive protest action.” – @TumeloBoksburg
