Escalating tensions due to a lack of service delivery in the embattled Matjhabeng Municipality has resulted in a series of arrests after residents turned against their mayor. The mounting dissatisfaction among residents stems from services which were halted due to the workers' protest.

Samwu members have been on a protected strike for five weeks as they remain embroiled in a protracted dispute with officials over a range of grievances, including calls for mayor Thanduxolo Khalipha to resign after several allegations were made against him, such as mismanagement of municipal resources and funds. Some of the services have been stopped by the municipality as a precaution to protect workers on strike.

As frustrations reached a boiling point, residents of Hennenman barricaded entrances to Phomolong with stones and burning tyres on Monday (26/2) at about 14:30. Free State police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng said the traffic flow was affected as vehicles could not enter the area.

“The acting station commander of Hennenman tried to negotiate with protesters to stop barricading the entrance of Phomolong but they did not listen. Members of Welkom Public Order Policing were activated.

‘Stones were thrown at the police’

“Preliminary investigation reveals that protesters wanted to block the Executive Mayor of Matjhabeng from entering Phomolong to address residents. Stones were thrown at the police and POP members responded with stun grenades, tear smoke, and rubber bullets to disperse the protesters.”

Thakeng said four suspects, aged 37, 38, 42, and 48, were arrested for public violence, and at about 20:00 two tuck shops belonging to foreign nationals were broken into and looted. He said six more suspects, aged 18 to 37 years were arrested for looting shops.

The situation is under control as police are still monitoring. The suspects will appear soon in the Hennenman Magistrate’s Court.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg