Central SA
Police arrest 24 after protests, looting in Lichtenburg─── 06:55 Mon, 30 Jan 2023
Police in Lichtenburg apprehended 24 suspects in connection with public violence and other crimes relating to incidents reported on Thursday 19 January 2023, in which two trucks were torched and looted.
Police spokesperson Adéle Myburgh says 12 people between the ages of 21 and 32 were arrested and charged with public violence and malicious damage to property. They appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate's Court on Monday 23 January 2023 and were remanded in custody until their next court appearance before the same court on Tuesday 31 January 2023.
Nine more cases are still under investigation in which 12 accused persons, aged between 19 and 34, were found in possession of presumably stolen property. That came after police confiscated more than 50 bags of cement and various steel poles, among other things.
All nine accused appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court. Three of the suspects paid admission of guilt fines of R800, R400 and R1000 respectively. All other remaining accused were remanded in custody and will appear before the same court on Tuesday 31 January 2023.
The North West provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the public violence incidents and asked members of the community to express their dissatisfaction in a peaceful and lawful manner. Moreover, he warned that those who transgressed the law would be traced and arrested.
