The five stand accused of inciting violence which spread through the townships of Masilo and Makeleketla in Winburg and Theunissen. 

During the last court proceedings a stayed warrant of arrest was issued for Modise - who was not present in court due to an overseas trip. She is expected to be formally be added to the charge sheet on Thursday. 

During 2021 violent protests in the aforementioned townships a house belonging to the parents of the former mayor, Kunatu Stephen Koalane , was set alight.

Modise and her co-accused are currently out on bail. The suspects in the matter include a former speaker, councilor and office bearer.

OFM News previously reported that the Free State ANC's Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) has formally requested that the ANC in Lejweleputswa draft a full report in relation to the arrest of Modise this month on charges of inciting violence in 2021.

IPC spokesperson, Oupa Khoabane, told OFM News that as of yet the mayor has not been asked to step aside as per the ANC’s Nasrec 2017 National Conference adopted guidelines.

During the unrest in 2021, no one was reported injured but it was reported that the protesters petrol-bombed a police nyala.

At least nine protesting residents were arrested during the violent protests and later released on bail of R500 each. 

The protests erupted after the venue of the Freedom Day celebrations, where President Cyril Ramaphosa was expected to deliver a keynote address, was at the last minute relocated to Botshabelo outside Bloemfontein.

OFM News