“The area is under strict environmental regulations, and activities of any nature are prohibited due to the presence of hazardous substances.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Kokstad has accused local authorities of mishandling a community prayer gathering for missing seven-year-old Lathitha Mtolo, after the event descended into chaos over the weekend.
The gathering, organised by traditional leaders in Marikana Ward 10 under the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality, was intended to unite the community following the young girl’s disappearance last month. However, what was meant to be a moment of solidarity turned into a confrontation involving law enforcement. According to EFF Kokstad leader Zukisani Tshangase, the situation escalated when Public Order Policing (POP) units were called in to halt the gathering. “It became chaotic when law enforcement was brought in to stop the event,” Tshangase said.
He explained that the confusion stemmed from a breakdown in communication regarding venue approval. Organisers had reportedly sent a WhatsApp message and an email to the ward councillor requesting access to a venue, believing the request would be processed. “The only issue is that the organisers sent a message and an email to the ward councillor requesting a venue, but she did not submit the application. They assumed she would forward it, only to later discover that she had not,” he said.
Tshangase further alleged that when the EFF contacted the ward councillor for clarity, she refused to assist. He claimed the situation may have been influenced by internal political tensions within the ward. “We called the councillor, and she said she was not going to help. Later, we discovered that one of the organisers is seen as someone contesting her position,” he alleged.
He accused certain individuals of misusing government resources for personal political interests. “They are using government institutions and properties for their own benefit. If you have an issue with one person, there is no reason to take it out on the entire community,” Tshangase said.
The EFF had stepped in earlier to assist with logistics after the municipality allegedly withdrew its initial support. The party provided a tent, sound system, food, and refreshments to ensure the gathering could proceed. Despite the disruptions, the party maintains that its intervention helped prevent the complete collapse of the event and ensured that community members were able to come together during a difficult time.
Meanwhile, the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality has strongly denied allegations that it deliberately blocked a community prayer gathering in Marikana Ward 10, following claims by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) that the event was unfairly shut down.
In an official response by the municipality, they’re dismissing circulating claims as “misleading” and “malicious,” insisting that it did not prohibit the prayer gathering arbitrarily. According to the municipality, the event was planned at an old landfill site near Marikana an area currently undergoing rehabilitation and classified as a health hazard due to toxic conditions. “The area is under strict environmental regulations, and activities of any nature are prohibited due to the presence of hazardous substances,” the municipality said.
Officials further stated that no formal application for the gathering had been submitted, as required by municipal by-laws and national legislation, including the Regulation of Gatherings Act. The municipality explained that any public gathering of more than 15 people must be formally applied for at least seven days in advance, with approvals required from multiple departments, including planning, disaster management, and law enforcement. “There was no application received for this gathering. Without approval, any structures erected on municipal land, including tents, are subject to removal by law enforcement,” said the head of communications unit at GKM Zolani Siqwayi.
The municipality also denied that organisers had requested logistical support, adding that proper procedures would have guided them to a suitable and safe venue.
