UPDATE: Five suspects appear in court for arson and public violence at Mama Esther’s Haven
The suspects will appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate court today.
Five protesters arrested when Mama Esther’s safe haven was set alight will appear at the Nelspruit Magistrate court today.
According to SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Mtsholi Bhembe, the suspects are in police custody. “They are facing charges of arson and public violence,” he stated.
Four people suffered minor injuries and they were transported to Rob Ferreira Hospital.
”They were injured right before the fire started and we do not have updates on their condition at the moment,” said Bhembe.
Read more in the print edition of Mpumalanga News tomorrow.
ON TUESDAY:
MSHOLOZI – Mama Esther’s Haven was set alight by angry protesters on Tuesday.
According to a community member, they want a school built in this area. One of the people that reside at Mama Esther’s Haven said that she has nowhere to go now that the only home she has been destroyed. “I have been living here for 23 years and I don’t know what will happen to me now,” she said.
The centre was burnt down by community members who had barricaded the R40, thereafter, are reported to have gone to the centre with an intention of holding a meeting.
It has been reported that they were allegedly pelted with stones by youngsters that were at the centre, that’s when the community is reported to have retaliated by burning the centre down. Four people are reported to have been injured and were taken to Rob Ferreira hospital and an undisclosed number people were arrested.
This is a developing story, we will keep you updated.
