From top left to right: the remainder of the concrete islands in the main street; the rioters in front of the historic town hall which was trashed; middle two photos: shop windows and doors were smashed; more senseless destruction in the the streets; and an emergency vehicle rushes an injured shopkeeper to hospital in a town 34km away
The images above are of the [main] streets of our normally peaceful home town, Marquard, South Africa. What started as a strike on Monday, degenerated into a full-scale riot by mid-morning on Tuesday. I could have posted a news link of the cause of this upheaval, but suffice to say it's about the lack of essential services and gripes against the municipalities. Hundreds of youths and school children entered the town from the nearby township and literally trashed and smashed the buildings and streets of Marquard.
I'm adding a link of our beautiful, sleepy Free State town and ask that whoever feels so inclined, would pray for the residents of Marquard and the people of Moemaneng township where apparently the destruction and chaos is a lot worse. Emily our house lady and John our gardener live in Moemaneng; I've told them to stay in their homes and not venture into our town until things settle down. Our son, Angus, his wife, Amanda and their two young children, live in Marquard and of course, that is where our home is.
Here's hoping and praying that God will give wisdom to those in authority to resolve these issues that the masses' needs are met as they should be.
Thanks to those of you who are praying for our family, friends and house staff.
It's always difficult to see and hear of destruction and chaos that impact on innocent people. You and all the people of your hometown and neighbouring townships have my thoughts and prayers at this time. Hugs. xx
ReplyDeleteOh how sad, Jo. I am so sorry.. Seems like there is so much anger all over the world these days...Really scary...
ReplyDeletePrayers for your hometown --and those rioters... May God be with them all.
Hugs,
Betsy
We always think such violence can never happen in our own town -- and then it does.
ReplyDeleteAdding my prayers from Jerusalem that things there will calm down and that wrongs will be made right.
It is hard to be far away at such times.
I will add your family, friends and house staff to the people I'm praying for tonight, Jo.
ReplyDeleteLove, K
So sorry x
ReplyDeleteThese are horrible news ! I haven't heard this here in the News. I only hope that it gets under control, it's so sad to hear that people need to distroy a town, how much hatred must be in them, but this is no excuse !
ReplyDeleteHope that you son is safe and your house too !
This is sad news indeed. It must be heartbreaking and worrying for you. I hope your family and staff stay safe and that the riots will soon be dealt with. My best wishes and thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteOh Noooo....I'm So sorry Jo! As the economies of the world fail, we'll see much more of this....
ReplyDeletehughugs
Oh, heavens! I had no idea your family and friends were in such danger. A collective mob consciousness can be a terrifying thing. I have had little time or brain power to enjoy blogging but I do pray for you all and both communities.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jo, how dreadful. I hope and pray Angus, Amanda, the children, and Emily and John all stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI cn understand protests and strikes, but rioting, trashing, and looting are beyond comprehension.
Love, K
I'm just now (July 24th) catching up on your blog, Jo, and oh, my goodness, how terrible it is that your beloved home town is being trashed. It is a shame some people think that destroying the property of others will lead to benefits for themselves. Rather, it will lead to greater anger toward the destroyers. I am praying for your family, friends and house staff.
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