By Doreen Mokgolo
Red flags and splashes of red paint have caused confusion and alarm among residents of Katlehong and Tembisa in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
On Wednesday morning, residents woke up to find street lights and trees wrapped with red flags and clothes, while bridges and buildings, both public and private, were vandalised with red paint.
Some residents suspected the involvement of a cult or religious group, while others believed they were linked to the EFF or a new political party seeking attention.
Several residents in Katlehong removed and burned the flags before taking part in prayers as a precaution.
EFF councillor Julius Mdluli publicly claimed responsibility for the red flags.
“These are EFF flags,” Mdluli declared. “We are painting the country red, even the trees, from the airport to everywhere.”
He justified the lack of identifying marks on the flags, saying it would be too expensive and the risk of vandalism would have been too high.
Mdluli then threatened legal action against anyone who removed the flags.
“We are going to sue them,” he said.
“Anyone who dares to remove the flags will find us waiting for them.”
He criticised a woman who removed and burned a flag, referring to her as “unemployed” and accusing her of acting “like Deputy Jesus”.
The City of Ekurhuleni shared its shock and disapproval of the sea of red.
“We are unsure of the motivation behind the red flags and paintings, whether political or religious,” said spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
“Our by-laws prohibit any form of unauthorised advertising in the city. Although we are in an election season, we cannot definitively link these markings to any political party. We are investigating the matter and welcome any information that can assist us from the public.”
Pictured above: Red flags and paint marks in Ekurhuleni.
Image source: Supplied
