Rustenburg - People arrested for public violence in Ledig outside Rustenburg during a community protest have been released on bail, North West police said on Friday.
Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said 23 protesters appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. “They were all granted R500 bail each,” he said. The matter was postponed to June 9 for further investigation.
The group was arrested on Monday after residents had barricaded roads with tree branches, burning tyres and rocks on Saturday, demanding feedback regarding the alleged misuses of Bakubung Tribal Council funds. A house, a truck and a shop were set alight while four shops belonging to foreigner nationals were also looted.
“The situation has calmed a bit and Public Order Police (POP) continue to monitor the situation,” Ngubane said.
On Wednesday, residents did not allow North West Local Government MEC Collen Maine to speak to them, demanding that all arrested people should be released.
Maine who was there to “cool” down the situation left without addressing the irate crowd.
Ngubane warned that criminal activities would not be tolerated.
“Protests are allowed by the constitution of the republic to be conducted in an orderly manner, following the rule of law.
“Protestors must respect the rights of other 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,” he said.
ANA