The Western Cape cops were sentenced to ten years.
Seven arrested for public violence on R702 road – Road still closed
Seven people were arrested as residents barricaded the R702 road with burning tyres and rocks on Wednesday. The road is STILL closed.
The Western Cape cops were sentenced to ten years.
A total of seven people have been arrested for public violence on the R702 on Wednesday morning and the road remains closed after residents barricaded the road with burning tyres and rocks.
MOTORISTS WARNED – R702 ROAD IS STILL BLOCKED
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Covane said the seven arrested are five men including the ring leader and two women who were arrested near Dinaweng and Phomolong informal settlements.
He said the arrests were for violation of Road Traffic Act 93 of 1993, Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015 and Public violence at about 08:00.
According to Covane earlier today at about 03:00 disgruntled residents of Phomolong and Dinaweng informal settlements took to the streets in a bid to air their grievances.
He said the residents barricaded the busy R702 road with burning tyres and rocks.
WHAT ARE THE DEMANDS MADE BY PROTESTERS?
The group is said to be dissatisfied with the current Councillor of Ward 51 and is demanding the re-run of the election process. The protesters also demand to be addressed by the coordinator of the ruling party and the Premier of the Free State Province.
The road is still barricaded and arrangements are being made for it to be cleared.
Covane said the seven protesters would appear in Bloemfontein Magistrate Court on Friday 4 March 2022.
In other news around the Free State, hitch-hikers are being targeted, kidnapped and ransoms demanded from relatives of the targets.
SEVERAL KIDNAPPING CASES BUT NO ARRESTS YET
Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng the Free State Organized Crime and Crime Intelligence were following every lead to trace these kidnappers.
Thakeng said several incidents of kidnapping cases were registered throughout Lejweleputswa District police stations, where hikers are given lifts and kidnapped along the way.
“These kidnappers are usually three African males speaking Zulu and Sotho.”
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He said when the victim has been kidnapped the kidnappers would then demand ransom money which then must be paid in the victim’s bank account.
Hikers are sternly warned to avoid the following hiking spots:
- Joel mine adjacent to Beatrix mine
- Allanridge hiking spot in R30 National road
- Jazz Corner Odendaalsrus
- Harmony Mine Saaiplaas Virginia
- Mannys in Welkom towards Bloemfontein road.
