No violent incidents were reported in the Carletonville township of Khutsong on Thursday, the day after youths barricaded roads and stoned passing vehicles, North West police said.
Superintendent Louis Jacobs said the situation had calmed down after about 400 youths took to the streets on Wednesday night.
”We haven’t received any reports of protests or violence in the township today [Thursday].”
On Wednesday, between 6pm and 9pm youths ”smashed a windscreen of one vehicle, before stopping a taxi driver and demanding money from him”, he said.
They also ripped off the taxi driver’s North West number plates.
The youths were returning from a mass meeting called by the Anti-North West Forum when the incident happened.
The meeting was apparently held to discuss Merafong municipality’s incorporation into North West from Gauteng.
Jacobs also dispelled rumours that an African National Congress councillor’s house had been stoned, and this was corroborated by a municipal spokesperson, Seabo Gaeganelwe.
”It will benefit the country to have an ethical media reporting accurately on the situation,” he said in a statement.
Gaeganelwe said unemployed youths were given alcohol so that they would burn tyres and barricade roads as a means of attracting media attention.
”In our view violence is not a justified option as there are legal channels available to challenge the demarcation process.”
Paul Ncwane, a member of the Anti-North West Forum, confirmed that a number of youths went on the rampage on Wednesday.
”They burned tyres on the roads and stoned vehicles with North West number plates,” Ncwane said.
He said residents had agreed to intensify protests against the incorporation. Pupils would continue to boycott classes, although teachers would attend school.
”Parents of Merafong said as it is the kids that don’t want to write examination papers set in the North West, they can’t force them.
”We will continue with the boycotts and make this place ungovernable,” Ncwane said.
Gaeganelwe said pupils and teachers had boycotted school for two weeks.
”Teachers continue to be paid for not teaching and this has been brought to the attention education authorities.”
He claimed Khutsong teachers’ children were not affected by the situation as they attended schools outside the township.
Gaeganelwe accused Wednesday’s meeting organisers of using President Thabo Mbeki’s name in luring residents to the Khutsong stadium.
”The community went to the meeting on the understanding that it was a special Imbizo called by President Thabo Mbeki.”
Ncwane denied Gaeganelwe’s claims.
”We’ve always said that the president must come down here and address the people of Khutsong. We never said he was going to attend yesterday’s [Wednesday] meeting.”
North West education spokesperson Charles Raseala said his department was aware of the matter.
”We tried to engage with people involved from Tuesday to find a way forward.”
The Merafong local council, which includes Khutsong, was incorporated into North West last year. Parts of the municipality previously fell under Gauteng.
The move evoked strong criticism and resulted in violent protests from Khutsong residents.
Ncwane said two meetings were planned for Friday, one to allow the Congress of South African Students to address the pupils at 9am and the other for 4pm to accommodate parents.
Both meetings are to be held at the community stadium. — Sapa