Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Tim Mpakathe and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Dewald Hattingh.
– DA continues engagement for the formal by-law enforcement process in Hobhouse
– Condemns intimidation and supports police action on threats against residents
– Calls for safe enforcement of by-laws to protect residents and officials
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mantsopa Local Municipality will continue to engage with the municipality and relevant stakeholders to facilitate a formal resolution process regarding the enforcement of animal by-laws in Hobhouse, while supporting affected residents who have been subjected to intimidation and threats.
We condemn the alleged constant victimisation of the leaders of the animal by-laws petition, which was submitted to the municipality around 2023/2024.
Jenniffer Wium and other residents of Dipelaneng and Hobhouse continued to endure an unhealthy environment affected by the stench of cattle in the residential area. They ultimately decided to draft a petition to the municipality requesting enforcement of its bylaws.
The Wium family in Hobhouse has been subjected to threats of rape and murder by the cattle herders who are furiously objecting to the implementation of the animal by-laws in Hobhouse on the basis that their area is not a town; therefore, the by-laws cannot be enforced in their area.
Hobhouse is notorious for murder cases, and we do not take these threats lightly as a party; we have encouraged the Wium family to open a criminal case with the South African Police Service.
We are also aware that the municipal officials responsible for enforcing the by-laws fear for their lives, as they have previously been intimidated when attempting to do so.
It is the right of all the residents to feel safe and protected in their own space.