MASSACRE TRIBUTE DISRUPTED

PAC bulldozes its way into event

- LOYISO SIDIMBA

DESPITE earlier calls for unity between political parties to mark the 65th anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, the Gauteng provincial government was forced to abandon its commemoration event after PAC members stormed the venue.

An army of PAC adherents arrived at Sharpeville Human Rights Precinct shortly after Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi, Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation MEC Matome Chiloane, the mayors of the Sedibeng and Emfuleni district and local municipalities, Lerato Maloka and Sipho Radebe, respectively, had laid their wreaths at the memorial.

Proceedings were about to move to the relatives of the victims of the massacre laying their wreaths on each of the areas set aside to represent each of the 69 victims.

However, PAC members stormed the main entrance of the memorial facility, which was opened by late former president Nelson Mandela in 2002, bulldozing their way through the handful of police officers and security detail checking attendees' accreditation.

In no time, Lesufi, Chiloane, Maloka, Radebe and other dignitaries were escorted out of the venue and the throngs of PAC supporters took over the precinct and held a mini rally.