Police spokesperson, Sam Tselanyane, tells OFM News that the number of those arrested might increase. He says the situation is relatively calm at the moment as scores of the disgruntled residents are now retreating to the Tshing  sports ground. 

He says they are obtaining statements from the businesses that were affected by the violent protest, after some of the protesters threatened to burn them down if they do not close down. 

Earlier Tselenyane told OFM News that schools were entirely affected in the midst of the violence. Tselenyane says the police in that area are out in full swing and monitoring the situation and they are ready to arrest anyone found to be on the wrong side of the law.

“Possibly more arrests could be made, we are just waiting to see what will happen after the meeting at the sports ground. But if they are continuing with their protests we will have no choice but to continue arresting them,” says Tselenyane.

Earlier the protesters blocked the R53 linking Klerksdorp and Ventersdorp using burning tyres. The R30 between Rustenburg and Ventersdorp was also barricaded.

Tselenyane says according to information the meeting held between the residents and officials from the North West premier, Job Mokgoro's office, did not yield any results because immediately after the meeting the residents continued with their violent protests.

He says the protesters told them that they want the premier to come and address their grievances with regard to the issues relating to the lack of service delivery by the JB Marks municipality that includes Potchefstroom.

The municipality has been criticised by both opposition parties and the residents for not attending to their issues, such raw spillages amongst others.

OFM News