By OBAKENG MAJE
A man (22) has been arrested for the alleged malicious damage to property, assault common and intimidation. This is in connection with the incident that occurred at Batswana Commercial Secondary School in Montshioa Township, in Mahikeng during protest on Monday.
The North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the suspect allegedly intimidated, assaulted a teacher and damaged his cell phone during the protest action. Mokgwabone further said the suspect will appear in the Molopo Magistrate’s Court in Mmabatho on 8 May 2024.
“Other cases of common robbery, malicious damage to property and damage to essential infrastructure are still under investigation. The incidents took place along the Albert Luthuli Drive, near Extension 39 and at Montshioa Township, whereby a bus and a mini delivery truck were torched.
“It is alleged that a number of community members barricaded various roads, including the N18 in Makhubung village and R503 in Danville in the early hours of Monday. The reports suggest that unidentified people torched a bus and a delivery truck at Extension 39 and Montshioa Township respectively,” he added.
The North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has condemned in the strongest possible terms the eruption of public violence incidents in Mahikeng. Kwena said schooling was also disrupted.
“The situation is currently under control and police in the Greater Mahikeng and Public Order Police (POP), are working hard to maintain public order. Barricades have been removed from most of the affected national and provincial roads to allow the free flow of traffic.
“We would like to request all law abiding citizens not to participate in violent and unlawful protests, which are characterised by criminality and meant to cause anarchy and unnecessary panic amongst members of the community,” said Kwena.
He said they also urge members of the community, including Community Police Forum (CPF) members to be the eyes and ears of the police by reporting instigators and anyone who incites violence. Kwena made it clear that the police will not hesitate to trace and arrest those who are responsible for these acts of violence.
“The police are maintaining their presence in the area. The police management noted with concern the tendency of public servants, who fail to report for work under the pretext that it is not safe to go to work or schools, while workers in other sectors still report for duty with minimal or no serious disturbance,” said Kwena.
TaungDailyNews 