The seven suspects arrested on Thursday afternoon in Danville and Lomanyaneng, North West, for public violence are expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court this morning.
Their arrest brings the total number of arrests to 23 since the eruption of violence on Wednesday.
The nine suspects that were arrested on Wednesday, also appeared before the court on Thursday and were all released on a warning. They will appear before the court again on Tuesday, 29 May 2018.
The residents in the area have taken to the streets demanding the resignation of Premier Supra Mahumapelo whom they accuse of corruption and maladministration.
Most entry points to the city are barricaded with rocks and debris and several roads remain closed.
Shops have been looted and properties torched during riots which first erupted in Montshioa township and spiralled to several main roads, including the Mahikeng CBD, nearby Danville suburb, Setlopo village and surrounding areas.
The police in North West say their deployment will remain in place to make sure that normal services, including clearing of major roads so that the public can utilise them, continue.
“This is also done to ascertain that various services are rendered to the public. Due to the protest and barricading of major roads, Onkgopotse Tiro Comprehensive School learners had to stay without eating the whole day as the truck that was carrying their meals was delayed, until it was escorted by the police,” Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane said.
The police have urged the protesting members of the community to respect the rule of law and the rights of those who are not participating in the protest.
“It has also been noted with concern that properties, which will still be needed in future, are deliberately damaged.”
Motswenyane reiterated that the police will not hesitate to take necessary actions to bring normality in Mahikeng and surrounding villages.
As part of normalising services, SAPS has urged members of the community who cannot reach their police stations to call (018) 397 4032/37. – SAnews.gov.za
