ANC: No justification for vandalism
2011-06-30 17:26
Johannesburg - There is no justification for vandalising and burning down newly-constructed RDP flats built for the poor, the ANC in Gauteng said on Thursday.
"No matter how angry the protesters are, they do not have the license to take the law into their own hands," provincial African National Congress spokesperson Dumisa Ntuli said in a statement.
Nineteen people had been arrested at Soweto's Dube Hostel for alleged malicious damage to property and public violence.
Police spokesperson Captain Katlego Mogale said protesters broke down doors and shattered windows.
They also pulled out kitchen stoves and removed taps in the flats before burning them.
They were apparently protesting against the delayed allocation of flats at the hostel.
"Now, poor families will have to wait because their homes have been destroyed by criminal elements," Ntuli said.
He said the burning of the flats to highlight grievances was "inexcusable".
People had a right to protest but it should not be detrimental to rights of other citizens.
"... It can only fuel anarchy and disorder."
- SAPA
