The Premier of the Northern Cape, Ms Sylvia Lucas, takes note with concern and disgust a recording that is circulating on social media and other platforms incriminating her of being complicit to the anarchy being experienced under the guise of service delivery protests. These allegations are devoid of any truth and fact and are rejected in the strongest terms and with the contempt it deserves.

What turned out to be a march in protest against high electricity tariffs was used to not only commit criminal acts but to smear the name and reputation of the Premier. The unsubstantiated and defamatory voice clip was handed to the authorities at the highest level for investigation and the Premier calls on the police to move with speed in not only bringing the person or persons responsible for the voice clip to book but also all those responsible for looting, damage to property and other acts of crime during the protests.

Premier Lucas calls on the citizens of Kimberley to desist from any further action and to act in a responsible manner when raising issues of concern to them.  As a provincial Government we condemn the acts of criminality and request from the community to allow due process to follow in resolving the matters of concern raised. We call on parents to ensure that the safety of their children is not compromised and that children do not become complicit to the criminal acts being experienced. We also call on the community to work with the police in restoring order and that we work with one another in ensuring the safety of our people and the protection of all property.

Released by the Office of the Premier
Enquiries: Ms Bronwyn Thomas-Abrahams, 083 447 6586, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it." ' + path + '\'' + prefix + ':' + addy23710 + '\'>'+addy_text23710+'<\/a>'; //-->