By Doreen Mokgolo
The chief whip of the Ekurhuleni council, Jongizizwe Dlabathi, claims opposition political parties have hired illegal foreign nationals to steal electricity cables and vandalise electricity infrastructure to sabotage the ANC’s performance in Wednesday’s elections.
Dlabathi was speaking after casting his special vote at Sakhelwe Primary School in Kwa-Thema on Tuesday.
He did not specify which political parties were responsible, but it is understood that the police are investigating the latest thefts and vandalism.
Early on Tuesday morning, parts of the emergency electricity cable from the Vulcania Substation in Brakpan that supplies Kwa-Thema were stolen. The Van Eck substation in Brakpan was also vandalised.
Last year, the area endured more than a month without power after the Kwa-Thema substation burned down because of attempted cable theft and damage to a transformer.
Ekurhuleni ANC Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza promised when he took office last month that the repaired transformer would accelerate service delivery in the area.
“Residents must protect the asset against vandalism and izinyoka,” he said.
In another election-related matter, Dlabathi called for calm as police dealt with the suspects arrested for the murder of two members of the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party in Katlehong on Monday.
Bongani Mkhwanazi and Xolani Nzimande were allegedly shot by three ANC members.
The suspects appeared before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and were remanded in custody.
“We call for peace, order and stability so that we can have free and fair elections in South Africa,” said Dlabathi.
Pictured above: ANC Ekurhuleni council chief whip Jongizizwe Dlabathi.
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
