Over 90 people were taken into custody during the unrest as a Post Office and two municipal cars were torched. Free State police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, informed OFM News that a number of the protesters were let go and the rest charged. Thakeng says police are still looking for the perpetrators involved in the torching of three trucks on the R76 just out of Steynsrus, in the direction of Kroonstad, as well as the stoning of passing vehicles on the same road.

Police suspect the burning of the trucks may be connected with protest action in the Kroonstad township of Maokeng because the towns both fall under the Moqhaka Local Municipality. Moqhaka spokesperson, Dika Kheswa, is yet to respond to OFM News’ requests for an interview regarding the Maokeng community’s allegations. These include the appointment of a Municipal Manager whom the community does not feel is qualified for the job.

In March, community members residing close to the Maokeng landfill site barricaded roads leading to the area and stoned refuse removal vehicles travelling in the direction of the dump. According to Kheswa, residents alleged the site is not being properly maintained and now poses a serious health risk to the community living near it. The community was meant to meet with Mayor Matshidiso ‘Tshidi’ Koloi on the matter, the meeting is said to have never occurred, but the impasse on the landfill site appeared to have come to an abrupt end.

OFM News