Wheelchair user removed after overnight protest at Maluti-A-Phofung municipal offices
Ratselane, popularly known as Ntata Maletsatsi, a wheelchair user and resident of Ward 09 in the Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality (Qwaqwa), spent the night at the municipal offices in protest after being denied assistance by Executive Mayor Cllr Malekola Melato.
Ratselane had requested that gravel be laid on the road leading to his home to enable him to travel safely using his wheelchair. However, according to him, the Executive Mayor falsely claimed that the road had already been fixed.
Frustrated by the lack of action, Ratselane staged a peaceful protest by sleeping at the entrance of the municipal offices. At approximately 21h00 last night, police officers forcefully removed him following an order reportedly issued by the MMC for Social Development, Cllr Pastor Mary Crocket.
The incident has drawn public attention, raising concerns about accessibility and the treatment of persons with disabilities within the municipality.