POLOKWANE – The Westenburg police are investigating cases of public violence, malicious damage to property and arson following the burning of two RDP houses, a tavern and a vehicle over the weekend.
This after an 11-year-old boy, Lesiba Maphosa disappeared last Wednesday.
Provincial police spokesperson, Col Ronel Otto, said Maphosa was last seen by a friend walking off with an unknown man who asked him to assist him to buy airtime.
“He never returned home and despite a search by the police and the community, he has not been found,” said Otto.
“The community mobilised and accused the family of the missing boy’s friend of being involved in his disappearance. The two houses, tavern and a car were then set light. The police managed to rescue the occupants from the burning houses and no one suffered any injuries.”
However, police officials were slightly injured in the process, while two police vehicles were damaged when they were pelted with stones by the community.
No arrests have yet been made and investigations continue.
