The South African Police Service (SAPS) management in North West condemned acts of public violence that are taking place in Ottoshoop on 8 January 2018, and urged members of the community to refrain from damaging of properties.
This is after an unconfirmed number of Ottoshoop community members barricaded R49 road between Mahikeng and Zeerust, then later set alight a post office. They also pelted a police station and a house used to accommodate police officers with stones. This led to damages of windowpanes of the said buildings.
Following barricading of the R49 with burning tyres and other objects, the road was temporarily closed.
Due to temporary road closure, motorists utilising R49 from Zeerust to Mahikeng are advised as follows: From Zeerust along R49, take Jagersfontein, via Klippan, Twyfelshoek, then Slurry and Mahikeng. Alternatively, they can use N4 to Lobatse, Khunotswane, Matlhatsi, Madutle, Ramatlabama and Mahikeng. The motorists are advised that these are gravel roads those that are travelling to Zeerust from Mahikeng are advised to use the same routes.
The motorists that are travelling from Mahikeng to Rustenburg and Pretoria are urged to use R503 to Lichtenburg.
A 30 year old female suspect has been arrested for public violence, malicious damage to property and Contravention of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996. She is expected to appear in the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court soon.
“We would like to make an appeal to members of the community to refrain from destroying buildings and other properties as this is unlawful and cannot be tolerated. We also want to make it clear that no violence will be tolerated and the police will act against any person who commit crime,” said Lieutenant General Motswenyane.
Police are still maintaining presence in the area.
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