The Eastern Cape government vowed on Wednesday to take firm action against residents threatening to disrupt the elections. (Jaco Marais/Netwerk24)
- A video calling for the closure of Mutata has been circulating on social media.
- The call comes in the wake of taxi violence in the state.
- Eastern Cape MEC for roads and community safety Xolile Nkata said those behind the video calling for the election to be cancelled would be dealt with.
A stern warning has been issued to Eastern Cape residents threatening to disrupt Wednesday's vote.
This follows a “bold video recording” calling for the complete closure of Mutata and an end to election campaigning in and around the town, less than 48 hours before election day.
Eastern Cape MEC for roads and community safety Xolile Nqatha said the request came after police seized handguns and assault rifles following a resurgence of taxi violence in Mthatha, Tsolo and Nkankalhu areas.
Nqatha said the government would take firm action against “fearmongers” who seek to intimidate people, incite violence and undermine their democratic right to vote through audio notes and videos circulating on social media.
He also assured the public that there would be no closure for Mutata and instructed police to track down those responsible for the video.
“The comments made by the man who filmed the video are an insult to the sacrifices made by our heroes and heroines of the liberation struggle. He is effectively spitting in the face of our anti-apartheid heroes and heroines, many of whom sacrificed their lives for the right to vote and the right to freedom of movement and now he is trying to take those rights away from our people,” Nkata said.
Read | KZN is preparing to hold “free, fair and secure elections” and has identified areas at risk of violence.
He added that his department was determined to work with the police to end taxi violence in the state.
Heavy gun battles between rival factions broke out in Nkankalhu and Mutata on Wednesday and Thursday, leaving two people dead and 18 injured.
The violence reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a route.