Note to Editors: Please find the attached soundbites in English and Afrikaans by Dr Roy Jankielsohn MPL, Leader of the Opposition in the Free State. Please click here to view the letter.
In light of the unrest in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Gauteng witnessed over the past week, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested an urgent meeting between the Premier, relevant law enforcement and leaders from the political parties represented in the Free State Legislature on the state of preparedness of the Free State province.
Political leaders are receiving requests for information on the preparedness of the Free State from residents of the province and require a briefing from the relevant authorities on what plans are in place to curb any potential threats of violence should unrest spill over into the province.
This is especially important when considering that the former Premier Ace Magashule is scheduled to appear before the Bloemfontein High Court on the 19 August 2021 to face criminal charges related to the Asbestos Housing Contracts, which might have the potential to prompt civil disobedience.
Furthermore, as was witnessed during the last appearances of Mr Magashule in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court, these types of activities have the potential to become super spreader events due to the lack of adherence to Covid-19 protocols by the supporters and followers of Mr Magashule. In light off this, it is important that plans are put in place ahead of time to ensure that the Free State does not become victim to a further spread of the virus.
Free Staters who have already had their lives and livelihoods impacted upon by the Covid-19 pandemic require political consolation that law enforcement agencies are well-prepared for any eventualities .
Political leaders in both government and opposition are required to inform residents of the province on the state of preparedness for potential crises to ensure that communities are prepared for any eventualities and avoid unnecessary panic. The lack of information from the provincial government will force residents to make their own arrangements to protect their communities and businesses from possible civil unrest that has led to looting and loss of lives in other provinces.