Destruction of property during protests is criminal: Mantashe
The African National Congress National Executive Committee says it is strongly against the destruction of property during community protests.
ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe has been briefing reporters at Luthuli House on the ANC's National List Conference and NEC meeting.
He says those who engage in criminal acts during such demonstrations should be treated as criminals.
''Destroying property, attacking people cannot be part of genuine protests. If you do that, at that point you are immediately converted from a protester into a criminal.
''These include the burning of public facilities by agents provocateurs in institutions of higher learning masqueraded as representing the genuine grievances of students,'' he said.
Meanwhile, on the upcoming elections Mantashe reminded those who will be elected councillors after the August poll that it is an honour and a privilege to serve the people of South Africa.
He has warned that deployment by the ANC can be withdrawn at any time.
"All counsellors will be required to sign performance and accountability agreements. They will be expected to work tirelessly to serve and keep constant contact with our people. That is our expectation," he said.
(File photo)