Four arson accused; Andile Makhaza (26), Kagiso Mamatu (30), Lesedi Molelekwa (33) and Mamatu Nkosinathi (33) were remanded in custody until Thursday, 25 April 2019, for a formal bail application. The accused appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on 17 April 2019, subsequent to their apprehension on Monday, 15 April 2019.
The accused were arrested for allegedly setting alight the reception area as well as the office of the Head of Department (HOD) of provincial Department of Rural Environment and Agricultural Development (READ) at approximately 16:15 on Monday, 15 April 2019.
It is alleged that the accused entered the building at about 16:00 with the permission from security at the entrance of the Agricentre Building after indicating that they were going to the office of the HOD. The security were alerted a few minutes later by employees that the office of the HOD was burning.
The suspects were identified and arrested within the premises. Nine people were admitted at hospital as a result of inhaling smoke during the incident.
The motive of the incident is unknown at this stage and investigation into the matter continues.
The Cluster Commander of Mahikeng, Major General Mmatlhapi Mmolawa condemned the incident in the strongest possible terms and said that the police will not hesitate to act when the rule of law is undermined.
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