Cops arrest Limpopo protesters

190312. Service delivery protest where the residents of Ratanda Township bolcked the R549 road to the township and burning tyres. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

190312. Service delivery protest where the residents of Ratanda Township bolcked the R549 road to the township and burning tyres. Picture: Dumisani Sibeko

Published Feb 24, 2014

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Polokwane - Sixty-three people have been arrested for public violence and arson in Moletlane village, Limpopo police said on Monday.

Colonel Ronel Otto said 43 men and 20 women were caught on Sunday after five Chinese-owned shops were looted and set alight.

The protest started after a 21-year-old man was stabbed to death after an argument with a Chinese shop owner on Saturday.

“On Sunday, members of the community mobilised and looted five shops belonging to Chinese owners before setting them alight.”

Otto said no one was injured. Those arrested were expected to appear in the Magatle Magistrate's Court soon.

In a separate incident, seven people were arrested in Apel on Saturday and Sunday for allegedly burning five houses and three vehicles over the weekend.

“Members of the community accused three people of squandering money which is being raised for a community project.”

The seven were expected to appear in the Sekhukhune Magistrate's Court soon.

Otto said police were monitoring the situation and no violence had been reported after midday.

Limpopo police commissioner Lt-Gen Fannie Masemola urged people not to resort to violence.

“This type of lawlessness and violent actions will never be tolerated in this province and those taking part will be arrested swiftly and taken to court to face the law.”

Sapa

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