The police in Hopetown have arrested 35 suspects in connection with public violence, breaking into business premises and theft.
It is reported residents of Hopetown went on the rampage early on 26 July 2018, by barricading the N12 with burning tyres and breaking into local shops. Three shops were broken into and groceries estimated at thousands of rand stolen.
One of the business person was injured the hand when trying to protect himself from objects hurled at him by residents who were attempting to invade his shop. Police intervened and the N12 has been cleared. Police had to use minimum force in order to disperse looters and people who were barricading the road.
During police intervention, one woman was allegedly injured on the head and a case of assault has been opened by Hopetown police. The circumstances which led to her injuries have not been established as yet.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before the local Magistrates court soon.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Risimati Peter Shivuri has strongly condemned the barricading of the road and the breaking into business premises. He reiterated that although the community have the right to protest, the protest should be conducted in a peaceful manner without damage to property or injury to persons.
The Provincial Commissioner pointed out that police will not hesitate to take appropriate steps to ensure that those breaking the law are dealt with harshly in terms of the prescript of the law.
Meanwhile the protest march by residents of Hartswater went well without any incident. The Provincial Commissioner appreciated the residents for ensuring that the march is peaceful. The residents handed over the memorandum to the local mayor relating to service delivery.
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