DURBAN: A TRUCK was torched on Wednesday afternoon as disgruntled residents in Harrismith in the Free State intensified their violent protest.
According to reports, protesting residents from Intabazwe are demanding that their area no longer fall under the Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality, because they said there was no service delivery.
According to the Free State police, the protests began earlier this week and have since escalated.
Free State police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele confirmed that a truck was petrol bombed during a violent protest on the N3 on Wednesday.
Makhele said it was alleged that the truck was near Bergview when protesters threw a petrol bomb at it and it caught alight.
He said another truck jack-knifed on the road. He said both drivers were not injured.
Makhele said 12 suspects were expected to appear before the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Thursday morning on charges of public violence.
He said the suspects include a few minors, who would be under the supervision of their parents.
“Police visibility is high in Harrismith, Intabazwe, Makgolokweng Village, Tshiame A and B.”
He said the protests had spread to other sections of Harrismith, where protesters had barricaded roads with burning tyres in the township and on the N5.
He said the roads had since been cleared and seven suspects were arrested on Thursday morning.
Makhele said the situation was still tense in and around Harrismith on the N3.
The Mercury