Johannesburg – Three people were arrested in connection with the burning of ANC stalwart Oliver Tambo’s statue at the heritage site in Nkantolo village in Bizana, Eastern Cape police said on Saturday.

“The Task Team appointed…to investigate the recent incident where the OR Tambo Garden of Remembrance in Nkantolo Village near Mbizana was vandalised, made a breakthrough and three suspects were arrested late yesterday [Friday],” spokesperson Brigadier Marinda Mills said in a statement.

The three were expected to appear in the Mbizana Magistrate’s Court on Monday, on charges of arson and other related charges.

The provincial commission of the Eastern Cape appointed the task team.

“Lieutenant General Celiwe Binta met the task team today [Saturday] and commended the members for the swift arrests. She strongly emphasised the seriousness of the offences committed…,” she said.

The statue which formed part of a heritage site, was burnt on Wednesday.

Tambo, born in Bizana, was among the founding members of the African National Congress Youth League in 1944 and became its first national secretary. He later became president of the ANC. Tambo died of a stroke in April 1993.

SAPA