RUSTENBURG HERALD - MERITING - In a developing story that is circulating on social media, the community of Meriting Extension 2, is up in arms after an ANC Councillor’s disregard of their demanding of proper service delivery.
In a statement sent to the Rustenburg Herald, the Meriting community called upon their Ward Councillor, Zenele Xhinela, on Sunday, 6 April, “for service delivery and fair treatment.”
However, the community had a rude awakening as to the disdain from this local politician, when called upon by the very citizens that look to him to be the guardian of their community. When community members took to the streets in protest to service delivery issues, it resulted in them being “confronted with a firearm drawn on us.” The protest turned even more violent when Cllr Xhinela’s car was peppered with rocks.
In a statement by ANC Branch Secretary, Nolubabalo Siyongwana, also released on 6 April, it was said that Xhinela “was forced to draw his licensed firearm in an attempt to fire a warning shot. His vehicle sustained serious damage after being stoned during the chaos.”
In their reply, community members wanted to know: “Warning shot for what purpose? The statement issued by the ANC reflects a deliberate diversion from the issue at hand. The position further paints a picture of how detached the ANC is, especially in Ward 41 branch, from the community it serves.”
In their statement, the community members did not mince their words of criticism and demanded accountability and fair governance from their Ward Councillor.
“The Ward Councillor is a public representative of the ANC, and we expect him to execute his functions as required in terms of the Municipal Systems Act.
“The events of 6 April follows long standing concerns and complaints which have been repeatedly submitted to the Office of the Speaker of the Rustenburg Local Municipality, Cllr Lebogang Pule, and to date, nothing has been done. The Office of the Speaker has to explain to us whether her office has at least conducted an investigation, as lawfully required, and if so – to inform us of the outcomes of such an investigation.”
Rustenburg Herald contacted the RLM Spokesperson, Andrew Seome, to confirm the above details, as submitted by the Meriting community, and is awaiting the official feedback in this regard.
In their statement, ANC Secretary Siyongwana reeled at the fact that “this is not the first time the Chairperson has faced violence. He is a survivor of a previous shooting, many attempts to take his life and this latest attack is a shocking reminder of the growing trend of politically motivated intimidation and lawlessness in communities.
“Such acts of aggression are a direct threat to democracy and the safety of community leaders and citizens alike. The ANC calls on law enforcement to take urgent action against those responsible, ensuring that justice is served without fear or favour. Violence and intimidation will not deter us [from] our commitment to serve the people, promote peace, and defend democratic processes.”
The community’s response? “The issue of the Ward Councillor having faced violence should not be used as a token to deflect from the disservice that we are being subjected to as a community. We do not condone violence, but the decision of the Ward Councillor to draw a firearm was not only uncalled for, but it demonstrates the aggression that we as a community is often met with.”
Pixie Pink, Victims’ Advocate, posted the following comment on her Facebook page: “The irony is deafening. An ANC Ward Councillor in Rustenburg allegedly pulls a gun on unarmed community members demanding basic services - and just days later, the same ANC pushes for new laws to disarm private security guards who risk their lives protecting us from violent criminals.
“So let’s get this straight: Politicians can wave guns around at taxpayers with zero accountability… but security guards, who stand between us and hijackers, armed robbers, and house invasions - they must be disarmed?”
Colonel Adele Myburgh, Spokesperson for the South African Police in North West Province, confirmed that three cases were opened after the incidents on Sunday at Meriting Hall.
“Public Order Policing members were activated and the cases opened are as follows: Malicious damage to property (vehicle was damaged), public violence and intimidation (police arrested three suspects) and pointing of a firearm,” Colonel Myburgh confirmed.
What does the law say?
In South Africa, pointing a firearm (or anything resembling one) at another person without justifiable reason is illegal and constitutes an offense under section 120(6) of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
What constitutes the offense: Pointing any firearm, whether or not the firearm is loaded or capable of being discharged.
Justifiable reasons: The law allows for the use of a firearm in self-defense when there is an immediate threat to your life or the life of another person. The force used must be reasonable and in direct response to the threat.
Consequences: Pointing a firearm without a justifiable reason can lead to criminal charges and potential imprisonment. A person who is found to have pointed a firearm without good reason may be declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Firearm Policy and Operational Procedures: The person at whom the firearm is pointed, could lay a criminal charge.
