Issued by: African National Congress
The ANC is concerned about the tense situation in Greenfield near Eden Park. We welcome the intervention of the police and the army to stabilise the area. More reinforcement should be sent to the are and other possible flash points in the province.
There is evidence that criminal and dubious elements seek to destabilise the area. The SAPS must work closely with the community to identify, arrest and prosecute these elements. All parties must campaign freely in the all areas of the Province without any restrictions or hindrance. The actions of the UDM yesterday in the East Rand is unacceptable and has heighten tension in the are.
The ANC in Gauteng strongly condemns the violent UDM march that led to the injury 3 innocent bystanders and a police officer at the Phola Park Bus rank. We call on the UDM to respect the laws of the country and apply for permission for any marches or gathering they intent holding in the Gauteng province. The UDM march yesterday was clearly without permission. The UDM must abide by the IEC Election Code of Conduct and conduct a peaceful and responsible election campaign free from intimidation or violence.
ANC leaders in the area have been targeted for intimidation, harassment or even killed, as is the case with the latest victim, comrade Fuduswa Stanford. There are currently 147 displaces camping at the Edenpark police station after their houses were ransacked or burned.
The situation in Greenfield is unacceptable, however the ANC is confident that our election campaign will not be disrupted and the fight to bring change will continue.
Issued by Ned Kekana ANC Gauteng DIP
082-900-0096
10 May 1999