Nine suspects are expected to appear in the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 6 September for a formal bail application following violent protest action in the North West city.

Six of the nine suspects arrested were remanded in custody when they made a brief appearance on Tuesday (20/8). Three of the suspects were released by the court because they were juveniles.

Petrus Mokheledi (36), Phehello Mphasa (26), Xolani Mthule (25), Isack Wilson (21), Itumeleng Tatai (23), and Lybow Mmbwammalo (36) and three minors were arrested on Monday (19/8) during a community protest in Ikageng Extension 11. They were arrested while looting from a shop.

Children should be prevented from participating in such demonstrations. Photo supplied

“The situation in Ikageng has remained calm, with the protest reportedly suspended and we urge parents and community leaders to prevent children from participating in such demonstrations,” said North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone.

“Some children were seen placing barriers in the road and pelting vehicles with stones. The police want to reiterate that criminality will not be tolerated, and that those who commit crimes will be severely punished.”

Police are still collecting information about several other shops that were looted in Promosa. The challenge is that the shop owners, who are mostly foreigners, are reluctant to make statements, he said.

JB Marks Municipality has been urged to urgently intervene and control sporadic protest action in Potchefstroom.

The protesters blocked vital routes. Photo supplied

The routes that were affected are vital arteries not only for North West but also Gauteng and the Northern Cape, said JB Marks FF Plus Cllr Marlene Steyn du Toit.

Potchefstroom residents took to the streets for the third time on Monday (19/8) to protest because of the tariff increases in the JB Marks Municipality and billing system in Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp.

“It is alleged the shutdown is a result of issues around tariff increases in the JB Marks Municipality and billing system between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp regions,” said municipal spokesperson Jeanette Tshite.

A statement from SANCO. Photo supplied

The South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO) said: “The electricity tariff went up by 13% and water, sewerage and waste disposal went up by 6%. On top of that, an R50 basic charge has been added to prepaid electric boxes and R110 for those using municipal power."

The N12 between Potchefstroom and Matlosana, and the N14 between Ventersdorp and Coligny were affected by the protests.

Potchefstroom Herald reports members of the Promosa community who had no part in the looting and protest on Sunday (20/8) were left to pick up the pieces after the chaos on Monday.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg