BREAKING NEWS – Refuse vehicle set alight at Mokopane

Following alleged violent attacks and disruptions at the offices of the Mogalakwena Municipality in Mokopane last Tuesday and Wednesday, a garbage removal vehicle was reportedly set alight in the central business district of the town on Saturday night.
Spokesperson at the Mogalakwena Municipality, Selokela Malesela earlier today (Monday) confirmed the incident indicating that the vehicle was parked at a certain premises in Mokopane for repairs when it was allegedly set alight.
He said the matter was referred to the Police for further investigation and that no arrest had been made yet.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property is being investigated.
Last Tuesday a group of persons allegedly arrived at the municipal offices and attacked the security officers guarding the premises. 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 damaged, Ngoepe confirmed.
He verified 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 suspects’ name were not made available.
The disruptions reportedly continued on Wednesday when another group of people allegedly mobilised themselves and forcefully entered the same premises. They threatened the security officers and entered the yard where after they closed all the gates. The Police were summoned and arrested anther 20 trespassers.
The suspects were expected to appear in the local magistrate’s court on Thursday but and response n the progress in the matter was being awaited from Ngoepe at the time of going to press.

Story: RC Myburgh
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