Police monitor Phalaborwa roads following violent protest
The Police in Namakgale outside Phalaborwa are investigating cases of public violence and malicious damage to property following the burning of two trucks and stoning of passing vehicles in the area.
UPDATE:
Road closure warning! @joshua_kwapa @RAF_SA @SAgovnews @SABCnews @HealthLimpopo @ pic.twitter.com/UC7gVFtraQ
— Limpopo Department of Transport & Community Safety (@TransportLimCom) April 6, 2017
LIMPOPO – According to a statement issued by Police Spokesperson, Lt Col Moatshe Ngoepe, the situation started some days ago where protesters from local communities barricaded the Phalaborwa and Makhushane road, R40 Phalaborwa and Mica road. “They also attempted to barricade the R71 Phalaborwa and Gravelote road using the burning tyres, wooden poles and big rocks,” he said.
“The estimated damage caused during the protests amounts to more than R2 million.”
Up to now the areas is relatively quiet but Public order policing will continue to monitor the situation, he added.
The suspects are still unknown and the police have established a special task team to trace the people who were involved. Anyone who has any information regarding these crimes may contact the Colonel Prince Ngobeni at 082 565 8074 or the crime stop number 0860010111.
In a statement the Provincial Commissioner LT. General Nneke Ledwaba strongly condemned this type of action calling it is ‘senseless and irresponsible’ by depriving other road users freedom of movement. He has also warned communities to refrain from barricading the roads when they are having any type of concerns because this is a serious offence and the police are not going to leave any stone unturned until all the people who were involved are brought to book.
Read more:
Phalaborwa residents up in arms
Phalaborwa gate inaccessible until further notice
