Full shutdown of Newcastle planned by MK Party today?

Will Newcastle experience a planned shutdown tomorrow?

This is the question residents are asking after a media statement started circulating on social media today (February 16).

According to the statement, the Umkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) in the Amajuba Region formally announced its plans for a peaceful shutdown of Newcastle on Tuesday (February 17), in protest against the continuous poor governance’ and corruption under the current leadership of Newcastle Municipality.

This decision comes after the revelations presented before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).

The Newcastle Advertiser spoke to MKP Regional Secretary Lekgotla Monareng, who confirmed the plans to shut down Newcastle.

However, he said it was a peaceful protest against corruption, the mismanagement of funds and failing service delivery, and no form of violence would be tolerated.

He further stated that although they’re calling on businesses, schools and transport to halt operations for the day, no one would be forced to do so.

Amajuba District SAPS spokesperson Constable Nonjabulo Langa confirmed that they were made aware of the MKP’s plans but could not provide any further details surrounding the matter.

Residents are urged not to panic or spread misinformation in the hours leading up to the protest.

Newcastle Advertiser journalists will monitor the situation and update their readers regularly throughout the day.

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us on our WhatsApp Channel