ANC takes action after N2 protest

The ANC has suspended a member for instigating the violent protest on the N2 in which two buses were torched.

Cape Town - The ANC has suspended a member for instigating the violent protest on the N2 on Wednesday night in which two buses were torched.

Protesters from Barcelona stoned and burnt buses out of unhappiness with the ANC’s candidates list ahead of next month's local government elections.

ANC provincial secretary Faiez Jacobs did not name the party member who had instigated the violence, but said the member had been suspended and would be subject to a disciplinary process soon.

“The ANC has found the member to have brought the party into disrepute, making certain false allegations against the ANC and threatening to commit public violence.

“The member is quoted to have said, ‘We are going to continue to make the N2 chaotic and unstable’ and we find these particular utterances irresponsible, reckless and bordering on inciting violence,” Jacobs said.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith said during the protest action two suspects were arrested for robbing motorists with knives and a replica firearm.

DA deputy leader in the province Bonginkosi Madikizela said the party would be laying criminal charges against those involved in the protest.

“Two hundred protesters were dispersed with stun grenades and rubber bullets and the N2 was blocked for two hours.

“The violence is the result of the ANC’s corrupt list process, as protesters are again unhappy with the candidates chosen to represent them,” Madikizela said.

He said there would be a knock-on effect for commuters, and urged people to use their votes as a protest instead of burning buses.

“The burning of buses will negatively impact on transport routes and make it harder for residents to get to work.

“South Africans must protest against the ANC by using the ballot box.”

Jacobs said the ANC would continue to investigate the involvement of other ANC members involved in the protest.

chelsea.geach@inl.co.za

Cape Argus