By Obakeng Maje
North West Police would like to dispute allegations circulating in the media as malicious and unfounded,suggesting that police are conniving with the protestors in the area of Bloemhof.

“These baseless allegations came amidst the senseless burning of police houses and properties, which threatened the security of families and children. It is through a miracle that none of the police officers or their families are injured or dead” brigadier Thulani Ngubane said.

Ngubane said police are working day and night, doing everything in their power to make sure that there is peace in Bloemhof and they have in the process protected lives and properties that were at risk of being destroyed.

During this unruly strike more than 15 houses and properties belonging to police officials were burnt down during protest by members of the community. 

“Two police officials sustained injuries from the incident after they were pelted with stones by the unruly community members. One police Officer lost his finger in process.

The turmoil also saw the community burning a police nyala with a petrol bomb which caught fire on the outside.

Nyala was stuck because of engine problems and only managed to escape by sheer luck when the Nyala suddenly started and they could flee the scene.

Last week and during the cause of this week police arrested more than a hundred people in Bloemhof. Several cases ranging from public violence, violation of the National Road Traffic Act and malicious damage to property have been registered.

“It is unfortunate that even at times when police are under attack and support, people continues to see the police as easy target. Many of our members remain homeless in Bloemhof and are left without anything as a result of these protests.

“These kind of malicious and discouraging comments by bystanders will not de-motivate and defocus all committed members of the South African Police Service. As per the dictates of the South African Constitution the SAPS remains committed to protect lives, properties and defend the weak.”

“These are trying times for our members who lost everything; all that is needed is support from our communities” he said.

The police would like to urge every community member who has information that can assist in arresting perpetrators of these heinous crimes to come forward and report to the police.

Police would also like to make it clear that they are not supporting the unruly protesters and any person with such information must report it to the relevant authorities, the Minister of Police, The National Commissioner and the IPID.-TDN
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