BY REGINALD KANYANE

Taung arrested a 21-year-old suspect for public violence on Tuesday in Magogong, Taung. He will appear in the Taung Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. 

North West police said the suspect and about 500 other community members barricaded the road that enters Diplankeng village in Magogong with stones, tree branches, and burning tyres.

“The community members were picketing over more service delivery. Police were called and on their arrival, protesters allegedly pelted stones at them. Police reinforcements were called in to restore order and to allow a smooth flow of traffic,” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.

According to the information received the community was protesting about the provision of various services. 

Meanwhile, the North West Acting Provincial Commissioner commended members of the South African Police Service in Mahikeng Cluster as well as the leadership of the community of Matsatseng for the conduct when handling another community protest well on Sunday.

“The community leadership and SAPS members managed to stabilize the situation until the Mahikeng Local Municipality Mayor came to address the protesting community. Although traffic was affected on R49 road, no violence occurred and no damaged to property was reported. 

“We urge individuals and communities to follow lawful processes to exercise their right to gather and protest and should feel free to enquire from the police for guidance if they are not sure about the procedure”, said Major General Jacob Tsumane.           
-TDN
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