Pretoria - North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed the arrest of four suspects in Rustenburg in connection with public violence and possession of stolen goods.
“The tide of violent protests and lawlessness that has resulted in loss of lives, looting, destruction of private and private properties needs to be stamped out,” Premier Modise said on Tuesday.
Premier Modise said that denial of bail and stiff sentences for perpetrators of violence will be a deterrent.
According to police, the four, who were taken into custody on Monday and were expected to appear in court on Tuesday, were allegedly part of about 4000 protestors who looted a shopping centre and an ATM in Freedom Park.
The mob reportedly stoned cars and burned several buildings including Rustenburg Local Municipality Speaker, Councillor Boipelo Marekoa-Kodongo's house on Sunday.
Police spokesperson Thulani Ngubane said that more arrests were expected as police were still investigated. – SAnews.gov.za
