North West police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, says it has been quiet in the Central Business District (CBD) area since approximately 21:00 last night and throughout the night. According to him, an unconfirmed number of community members torched six houses.

Police units and other law enforcement officers are deployed in the area. It still needs to be determined if the six houses, allegedly occupied by foreign nationals, that were set alight are residences or business.

No arrests have been made in connection with the violence. He, however, says a suspect was arrested yesterday after he allegedly raped a 17-year-old minor, while a police official was also apprehended for the possession of drugs at the same place.

At this stage, the reasons for the unhappiness in the community are merely speculations and allegations. The police have not been approached by community members to indicate why they are disgruntled, he says.

"Some of them are alleging that police are taking long in dealing with drug problems in the area." Fingers are also allegedly pointed at foreign nations who are being blamed for being responsible for the drug trade in the area.

A police investigation continues to get to the bottom of what led to the incident and to avoid blaming those who were not involved, says Mokgwabone.

There were no confirmed reports of injuries.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane, has condemned the incidents in the strongest possible terms and warns members to refrain from damaging property.

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