On Monday, 28 May 2018, 31 suspects will appear before the Koster Magistrates’ Court for public violence, arson and malicious damage to property.
The suspects’ court appearance follows their arrests on Thursday, 24 and Friday, 25 May 2018 in Koster and Derby respectively.
They were arrested for cases relating to violent community protests that began in Koster on Wednesday, 23 May 2018 and spread to the neighbouring Derby. It was during the protests that members of the community barricaded entrance and exit roads to Koster with burning tyres and other objects.
Properties such as a guest house, two houses and vehicles belonging to the Mayor of Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality were set alight and goods looted. Public violence and criminality continued when tuck shops in Koster were looted when some trucks were pelted with stones while others were set alight in Derby.
Meanwhile, six other suspects appeared briefly before the Koster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 25 May 2018. Four of those suspects were remanded in custody until Friday, 1 June 2018 for formal bail application. The other two suspects were released pending further investigation.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane condemned in the strongest possible terms acts of public violence. She urged members of the community to refrain from destruction of properties when they embark on protest.
“We will not tolerate disorder and any criminality that accompany protests. While members of the community have a right to protest, that must be done peacefully as stipulated in the constitution. The police will not hesitate to assert the Authority of the State by arresting those who commit crime,” said the Provincial Commissioner.
Police are still maintaining presence in the area to stabilise and normalise the situation.
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