Violent protests, N12 blocked, roads dug up, truck looted, Potchefstroom

South African Police Service

Violent protests, N12 blocked, roads dug up, truck looted, Potchefstroom
Violent protests, N12 blocked, roads dug up, truck looted, Potchefstroom

As part of stamping the authority of the State, police in Potchefstroom and Ikageng arrested nine suspects; three females and six males aged between 18 and 46, on Wednesday, 26 June 2019 for public violence. The suspects’ court appearance stems from their arrests at Extension 11, Ikageng Location outside Potchefstroom, following violent protests in the early hours on Wednesday, 26 June 2019.

It is alleged that approximately 300 residents of Extension 11, barricaded the N12 road (between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom) with various objects since 05:00 in the morning. The illegal act led to the closure of the road and motorists who travelled between Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp or vice versa had to use the Mooibank road as alternative.

In the course of the protest action, the protesters allegedly pelted the police and motorists with stones while goods were looted from a delivery truck.

According to information available at this stage, reports suggest that as part of protests action that started on Monday, 24 June 2019, an excavator was utilised to dig up holes and damage internal roads leading to Kanana and Top City in Ikageng Location late in the afternoon on Tuesday, 25 June 2019.

A case of malicious damage to property has been opened and a 36-year-old suspect has been arrested.

All ten suspects are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 28 June 2019.

The police are maintaining presence in the area and the N12 has been opened for traffic since yesterday evening.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, condemned in the strongest possible terms acts of violence and damaging of critical infrastructure. She further urged members of the community to respect the rule of law and to desist from any form of violence and destruction of private and public properties as that will land them into trouble with the law.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCESouth African Police Service