POTCHEFSTROOM – Police in Lichtenburg apprehended 24 suspects in connection with public violence and other crimes relating to incidents reported on Thursday, 19 January 2023, in which two trucks were torched, then property looted and damaged.

A total of 12 people between the ages of 21 and 32 were arrested and charged for Public Violence and Malicious Damage to Property. They appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 January 2023 and were remanded in custody until their next court appearance before the same court on Tuesday, 31 January 2023.

Nine more cases of which 12 accused persons aged between 19 and 34, were found in possession of presumably stolen property and theft, are under still investigation. That came after police amongst others confiscated more than 50 bags of cement and various steel poles. All nine accused appeared before the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court. Three of the suspects paid admission of guilt fines of R800, R400 and R1000 respectively. All other remaining accused were remanded in custody and will appear before the same court on Tuesday, 31 January 2023.

The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, condemned the public violence incidents and asked members of the community to raise their dissatisfaction in a peaceful and lawful manner. Moreover, he warned that those who transgressed the law, will be traced and arrested.

Source: South African Police Service