Lim police condemn acts of public violence following protests across the province
Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Jan Scheepers, has condemned ongoing violent protests in the Lephalale, Makhado and Giyani in the strongest terms.
LIMPOPO – The police’s condemnation follows violent protest action which erupted in the Ga-Seleka area outside Lephalale this morning, 27 June.
According to police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, a group of residents calling themselves “Ga-Seleka concerned group” barricaded the D3110 road with their private vehicles as well as the R572 road, which leads to the Ga-Seleka Community Hall and blocked it with stones.
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Ngoepe says residents forced a passing bus driver to give them the keys of the vehicle, which they intended to block the road with.
“These cars were then towed away by police to the police station and police arranged for the spare key to the bus, which was taken to town safely. All these roads are now cleared,” he said.
During the protest, cars were damaged with stones but there have been no other reported incidents of damage to property or injuries.
“Cases of public violence, intimidation and common robbery were opened but no arrests have been made.”
Meanwhile, in Giyani, residents went on rampage and barricaded the R81 road between Giyani and Malamulele with sand.
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“When police arrived on the scene, the sand was removed and the road was cleared. The same residents also barricaded the road between Giyani and Thomo, but the situation remains unstable,” he said.
In addition, violent protests erupted on the Kgobokanang-Makgato public road, in the Mara policing area, outside Makhado.
Ngoepe says a group of residents blocked the road with burning tyres and rubble, demanding a tar road.
“The situation in this area is still tense but the Public Order Police (POP) Unit is still intervening. The situation is now calm in all these affected areas but POP is still monitoring all areas,” he explained.
Ngoepe added that lawlessness will not be tolerated in Limpopo and therefore, communities are once more advised and encouraged to follow legal processes when having complaints or concerns.
“We are calling for immediate calm in all affected areas and we are going to deal with all those who are involved decisively and without compromise,” concluded General Scheepers.
