Gaitsiwe demands P2m for roadblock ordeal

What began as an ordinary commute to work ended in a moment that would change his life forever. At a police roadblock, Gaitsiwe alleges that an officer sprayed a fire extinguisher into the vehicle he was travelling in. The incident, he says, left him struggling with lasting health complications and a life that has never been the same.

This weekend, The Monitor sat down with a frail and visibly defeated Gaitsiwe, who spoke quietly but firmly about his ordeal. His body, he says, is a constant reminder of that day. His spirit, too, bears the weight of what he describes as years of unanswered pleas.

Frustrated and feeling ignored, Gaitsiwe says he has written to the Office of the President, the Ministry of Justice, and even the Chief Justice’s office. He says he is not seeking sympathy, only accountability. As cases continue to threaten herds and rural livelihoods, one simple but critical action can make a powerful difference: strictly adhering to FMD regulations, including refraining from slaughtering cloven-hoofed animals.Cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, are highly susceptible to FMD. Slaughter, especially during outbreaks or restricted periods, significantly increases the risk of spreading the virus through…