Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police, Jan Scheepers condemned the violent attacks and disruptions that erupted at the offices of the Mogalakwena Municipality in Mokopane on Tuesday.
According to a report from the Police, a group of people, allegedly arrived at the offices and attacked the security officers guarding the premises on Tuesday. The group then forced entry into the municipal chamber and disrupted the proceedings of a council sitting. A number of people were allegedly assaulted and the doors to the council chamber were damaged.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe confirmed that five suspects were subsequently arrested. Two of the suspects were released on R1 000 bail each while the remaining three were released on warning.
The disruptions continued until yesterday (Wednesday) when another group of people allegedly mobilised themselves and forcefully entered the premises. They threatened the security officers and entered the yard before closing all the gates. The police were summoned and arrested 20 more suspects.
All the arrestees are expected to appear in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday) and the Public Order Police Unit is still monitoring the situation, according to Ngoepe.
“Members of the community are warned to refrain from violent acts during any form of protest action where damage to property or injuries and disruptions occur. This province will not tolerate any lawlessness and anyone who is still perpetrating these irresponsible acts, will meet the full might of the law,” Scheepers warned.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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