Update
MURRAYSBURG NEWS - The Murraysburg community brought the town to a standstill last week amid service delivery protests.
Residents are accusing the Beaufort West municipality of not attending to the needs of the community.
The councillor for Ward 1, October Harvoor, said a memorandum with the community's grievances was sent to the municipality.
Harvoor said the town's infrastructure is falling apart and they need local government to intervene before the level of disrepair escalates.
Service delivery issues include the high electricity rate, poor water and sanitation infrastructure and the lack of RDP housing.
"We have sent numerous requests to the Beaufort West municipality requesting answers from the mayor and municipal manager, but we were ignored," said Harvoor.
He said the last request was sent on 23 July.
Residents took to the streets to vent their frustration when they did not get a response from the mayor's office.
The protests, however, turned violent on Wednesday morning, 15 August, when the community shut down the local municipal offices and schools.
The angry residents also burned tyres and placed rocks along the main road that provides access into town.
Harvoor said the Murraysburg community needs to have their own municipality. "It is the only way to provide adequate services to the community."
The spokesperson for the Beaufort West Municipality Marlene Hendricks denied claims over a lack of service delivery.
"There has never been a problem with service delivery," said Hendricks.
They mayor, Noël Constabel, visited Murraysburg on Friday morning. Residents booed the mayor numerous times.
Constabel's office is yet to release a statement on the way forward with the Murraysburg community.
Furthermore, about 14 men were arrested during the protests of which 10 were charged for Schedule 5 offences and one for aggravated assault.
Harry Bates (49), Ivan Gramer (40) and Pillipes Goeieman (40) were released from police custody after they appeared in court. Their release documents signed by the Murraysburg police stipulate they could not be linked to the violent outbreak during the protest.
Andile Sopete, a municipal worker for the Beaufort West municipality in Murraysburg is facing charges for aggravated assault after allegedly stabbing a protester.
It is believed Sopete charged into the group of protesters with a knife, swinging the knife recklessly.
A video circulating on social media depicts the violent actions.
A police spokesperson, Captain Malcolm Pojie confirmed that a man was seriously injured in the process.
"He appeared in the Murraysburg magistrate's court and was released on R1 000 bail," said Pojie.
The investigating officer opposed bail for the 10 accused. A formal bail hearing is scheduled for Thursday, 23 August.
Ivan Gramer (40), Pillipes Goeieman (40) and Harry Bates (49), were released from police custody after they appeared in court. Photos: Jason Milford.
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