Enraged residents go on rampage
Residents of Las Vegas and Ga-Mapaana villages in Ga-Kgapane on Thursday embarked on a protest action demanding the release of three people arrested for arson.
It is alleged that they together with a group of other residents went on a rampage setting alight three houses of men believed to be involved in the killing of an 18 year-old woman a few weeks ago.
According to the protesters, they decided to take the law into their own hands because they claim that police area protecting criminals.
According to Bolobedu police spokesperson, Constable Millicent Mohale, a mob consisting of more than 400 people including children threw stones at police officers, police station buildings as well as police barracks. They also set alight electricity transformer leaving some parts of the area in the dark.
“Members of Tzaneen Public Order Police (POP) and neighbouring police station dispersed the crowd with rubber bullets,” she said. The crowd mobilised again at around 20:00, they broke windows and set alight a detective’s house as well as some offices.
Mohale said they also set alight markets outside Modjadji Plaza. She said the cost of the damage is estimated at R100 000. “No injuries were reported,” said Mohale.
She said three suspects were arrested for public violence and arson. The three suspects, Suzen Ramaroka (29), Josia Makgoba (31) and Lucy Baloyi (44), appeared before the Bolobedu Magistrate Court on Friday. They were released on warning pending their re-appearance on April 26. Police investigation continues.
