A WAVE OF VIOLENT PROTESTS

Rustenburg – People travelling to and from work are caught up in a state of fear and uncertainty as waves of violent protests engulfed the major arterial routes in and out of Rustenburg over the past few days.

Social media has become the most viable option of communication to spread information of alternative routes when travelling in the mornings and afternoons. 

However, a statement issued by the police indicated that the violent protests were being clamped down and arrests made in some areas.

A number of suspects were arrested following incidents of looting and public violence including the burning of vehicles along the R104 road in Majakaneng between Wednesday and Thursday 16 and 17 May respectively. Seven suspects between the ages of 19 and 37 were arrested at the Sgandaff and Andries sections in Majakaneng. 

They were found in possession of suspected stolen goods and some were apprehended for public violence and damage to property. The first two suspects were arrested at approximately 13h00 on Wednesday, 16 May following an intelligence-driven track and recovery operation which was launched immediately after goods were looted from two trucks at approximately 05h30 along R104 road in Majakaneng.

“The third suspect, aged 24, was apprehended for malicious damage to property and public violence relating to setting alight a BapoTrans bus. Their arrests follows the torching of the two trucks and a BapoTrans Mercedes Benz Sprinter. During the arrests, goods such as mesh wire, wheelbarrows, plumbing material, poles and plastic chairs were recovered,” brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, police spokesperson said. 

“These arrests and many others that were affected at various places within the province since the outbreak of the recent violence, will certainly send a clear message that criminality and disrespect for the rule of law will not be tolerated,” the North West provincial commissioner, lieutenant general Baile Motswenyane said.