The Gauteng Infrastructure Development MEC, Jacob Mamabolo, has called for law enforcement agencies to investigate and arrest those responsible for the vandalism of the Olievenhoutbosch clinic.
The clinic was vandalised on Tuesday night, with damage caused by protesters who blockaded the R55 road with burning tyres.
“This act of vandalism has a serious ripple effect for the community of Olievenhoutbosch. It is absolutely senseless and backward that people would destroy a clinic because they demand something else. A clinic like this one is an important facility for the community, especially for children and the elderly,” said MEC Mamabolo.
It is reported that a group of protesters burnt down a guardhouse, damaged a gate and stole computers. Windows and doors were also broken. The damage to the clinic is so severe that it is not operational.
“Whilst we understand the public’s right to peaceful protests, the torching and vandalism of public buildings is a crime. It is illegal, unacceptable and has to stop immediately.
“It is most unfortunate that there are still people in our communities who show no regard for facilities such as the clinic which is now not serving them,” said MEC Mamabolo.
The Gauteng Provincial government said it would work with the Moral Regeneration Movement and continue visiting various communities to raise awareness on the impact of destroying public property.
“Through the iCare We Care campaign, the DID [Department of Infrastructure Development] has been leading the charge for communities to start appreciating the importance of public infrastructure, the common heritage of society,” said the MEC.
Launched in Bekkersdal in Gauteng’s Western Development Corridor on 13 July 2016, the campaign continues to raise awareness and change how communities relate with public property such as clinics, schools, libraries and community centres, among others. – SAnews.gov.za
