Police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, says this comes after members of the community barricaded the R49 road between Mahikeng and Zeerust, then later set alight a post office in town. He says they also allegedly pelted a police station and a house used to accommodate police officers with stones. It is still unclear what led to the outbreak of violence. Mokgwabone confirmed that a 30-year-old female was apprehended in connection with the protests. He says the R49 had to be closed temporarily after community members barricaded the road with burning tyres and other objects.

Mokgwabone says due to the temporary road closure, motorists using the R49 from Zeerust to Mahikeng are advised to use the following routes, from Zeerust along the R49, motorists can take the Jagersfontein, via Klippan, Twyfelshoek, then Slurry and Mahikeng. Alternatively, they can use the N4 to Lobatse, Khunotswane, Matlhatsi, Madutle, Ramatlabama and Mahikeng.

“Those that are travelling to Zeerust from Mahikeng are advised to use the same routes. Motorists travelling from Mahikeng to Rustenburg and Pretoria are urged to use the R503 to Lichtenburg,” says Mokgwabone.

He adds that the 30-year-old female who was arrested will appear in the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of public violence, malicious damage to property and the contravention of the National Road Traffic Act of 1996.

Police are still maintaining a presence in the area.

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