MALAMULELE - Action will be taken against any illegal gatherings in Malamulele, Limpopo police said on Thursday.
Police were aware of an illegal gathering planned for Friday, said Lt-Gen Fannie Masemola.
“Police will act against any gatherings 1/8which do not 3/8 follow due processes as provided by the Gatherings Act,” he said.
Police had been monitoring the situation and what they had observed was “pure criminality.
“Acts of violent destruction and intimidation of innocent people cannot be justified as public protests. That is why we shall act harshly against lawlessness,” Masemola said.
Almost 20 000 residents went on the rampage after the demarcation board did not grant them a meeting to demand their own municipality.
The residents burnt down a government building and shops during the protest.
On Thursday, 65 people appeared in the Malamulele Magistrate's Court on charges of public violence.
They were refused bail and will appear again on October 24.
Sapa