Police Station set alight during protests, Kokomeng

South African Police Service

Police Station set alight during protests, Kokomeng
Police Station set alight during protests, Kokomeng

The North West Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Ryno Naidoo sternly warned protesting members of the community in Kokomeng and surrounding villages that the police will not tolerate incidents of public violence wherein properties are damaged.

The warning follows an incident in which Kokomeng Satellite Police Station was set alight late in the evening on Monday, 16 April 2018.

According to information at our disposal, members of Visible Policing and Public Order Police (POP) noticed while patrolling the area that the station’s window panes were broken. They also established that one of the offices was set alight.

There were no police officials posted at the station at the time of the incident as the station operates between 07:00 and 19:00.

The incident was preceded by the apprehension of nine suspects for public violence. The suspects, three females and six males aged between 18 and 48 are expected to appear in the Taung Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 18 April 2018.

“We cannot tolerate the destruction of properties and disregard for the rule of law. What happened undermines the authority of the state. The action also denies the community the much needed policing services. This is one of the areas where members of the community complained about lack of services. The station was intended to ensure that certain services are rendered directly to the community and to avoid them going to Taung Police Station. We would like to indicate that the incident will be investigated to bring to book those who are responsible,” said Major General Naidoo.

The police are maintaining presence in the area to ensure stability.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service