“Lawlessness has no place in our society. No matter how long it takes, we will ensure that the long arm of the law catches up with those who take advantage of community protests to commit crime and destroy properties,” said the North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane.
This warning follows a number of violence marred community protests that have been taking place in the province since the beginning of this month to date.
In Ottoshoop on Monday, 08 January 2018, members of the community barricaded R49 road between Mahikeng and Zeerust. They allegedly burnt a local post office and pelted the police station with stones. They were complaining about municipal related services.
In Rustenburg, a group of people went on a rampage and burnt several buildings and vehicles at various locations including the Central Business District (CBD), East End and Rustenburg North. The incidents occurred between Wednesday, 10 and Wednesday, 17 January 2018.
Although it became apparent through various media sources that the incidents are linked with ridding the town of alleged drug dealers and brothels, it is clear that criminals are using that to commit crime.
Earlier this week, members of the community in Dinokana village near Zeerust barricaded N4 road between Zeerust and Botswana in demand for water.
In the evening on Wednesday, 17 January 2018, an unconfirmed number of Itsoseng residents allegedly torched a house, two vehicles while four other vehicles were damaged. The motive of the incident is not yet known. Earlier during the day, a group of boys allegedly blocked learners from neighboring Verdwaal village from going to school in Itsoseng.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane made it clear that while members of the community have a right to demonstrate as enshrined in the Constitution, that must always be done peacefully and without infringing on the rights of others.
“It is important that all available legal possibilities are followed and exhausted to express any dissatisfaction rather than resorting to violence” concluded Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane.
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