Two held for looting R20K of groceries

Published Apr 16, 2015

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Rustenburg - Two men were arrested in Ledig outside Rustenburg for possession of stolen groceries worth R20 000, which was allegedly looted from foreign-owned shops, North West police said on Thursday.

“It is alleged that the suspects were arrested after being found in possession of groceries worth R20 000 that was taken from one of the shops during looting,” said Brigadier Thulani Ngubane.

The two were arrested on Monday night. They were expected to appear in Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Residents of Ledig waged a protest over alleged missing tribal funds. The protest started after the community barricaded the roads from Sun City to Ledig and Mabeskraal to Ledig with tree branches, burning tyres and rocks at the weekend.

They were demanding feedback regarding the alleged misuses of Bakubung Tribal Council funds, these monies were alleged to be royalties from the local mining communities.

A house, a truck and a shop were set alight while four shops belonging to foreign nationals were also looted.

On Wednesday, residents refused to allow North West Local Government MEC Collen Maine to speak to them, they demanded that 23 people arrested on Monday night must be released before Maine could speak to them.

The 23 were expected to appear in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Brigadier Ngubane said different cases of malicious damage to property, arson and public violence were being investigated.

“As the South African Police Service we would like to issue a stern warning to the communities around Ledig and Sun City, that criminal activities will not be tolerated,” said Ngubane.

“Protests are allowed by the constitution of the republic to be conducted in an orderly manner, following the rule of law. Protesters must respect the rights of others and the laws of the republic. Police will not hesitate to add numbers of people who will be arrested as a result of continuing criminal activities. People should avoid unnecessary charges and criminal records.”

Ledig was calm on Thursday morning and police were monitoring the situation.

ANA

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