POLOKWANE – Suspects arrested during the community protests in Westenburg, appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday 27 July) and were released on R500 bail and are set to reappear in court on 17 September, said Captain Mamphaswa Seabi.
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The suspects (aged between 29 and 56) face charges of assault on police, malicious damage to property and contravention of road traffic act and the gatherings act.
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After leaving a community meeting with the Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Westenburg residents came out in numbers to show their support outside the Polokwane Magistrates Court.
Once the suspects were released, a convoy of residents made its way back to Westenburg from the city.
This follows two days of protests in which residents went on a rampage, burning tyres and other debris and blocking roads in and out of Westenburg as well as surrounding areas.
During this incident once police officer was injured and two police vehicles torched.
The police appeals to anyone with information that can lead to the apprehension of the culprits to contact the Crime Stop number 086001011, or contact the nearest police station.