The appearances come while the situation in the towns, which fall under the Moqhaka Local Municipality, continues to stabilise despite the municipality allegedly not addressing concerns raised.

The eleven people appearing before the Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court were arrested on Monday, April 15, after they were angered by the postponement of the case involving 53 of their fellow arrested protesters to April 24 for bail application. Police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, told OFM News previously the protesters will appear on a public violence charge.

Over in Lindley, the Steynrus five who were arrested on Monday will make their re-appearance in the Local Magistrate’s court. They were a part of protests in which the R76 road between Steynsrus and Lindley was barricaded using road signs, stones, four Jojo tanks and tyres, which were then set alight. There was also an unsuccessful attempt to burn a disability centre in Matloangtloang.

The Moqhaka Local Municipality has informed media that they cannot comment on a memorandum of demands from the community which they are yet to process. The demands include the removal of the Moqhaka Municipal Manager, the Chief Financial Officer, and the Human Resource Manager, as well as the ending of outsourcing at the municipality. The list of demands also includes the closure of the contentious Maokeng landfill site, which is in close proximity to a residential area.

In March, OFM News reported the municipality reached an impasse with the community of the dumping site. Residents alleged the site was not being properly maintained and poses a serious health risk to the community living near it.

OFM News/Olebogeng Motse and Katleho Morapela