The eight people arrested after violent service delivery protests in Frere last month appeared in the Estcourt Magistrate’s Court today.

Residents of Frere went on the rampage demanding clean drinking water and electricity to name but a handful.

Following the protest which took place on Monday, February 29, eight locals were arrested, one being male among the females.

The suspects, aged between 21 and 52, were arrested after a case of pubic violence was registered for investigation.

About 400 protesters blockaded the R74 with burning tyres and other objects to demonstrate their frustrations when they say police were instructed to fire rubber bullets towards them.

Leaving one woman aged 32, with a minor injury on her leg and had received medical attention due to it.

The case filed at Estcourt Magistrate’s Court was remanded for Wednesday, March 23 to allow for the suspects to get attorneys to represent before the court.

While the suspects made their appearance in court, just outside the gates Frere community members gathered and loudly cheered for the suspects to be freed.

The community went on in unrest and refused to allow the Mayor, Bongani Dlamini and other officials to address them in fear of them making further “empty promises.”

Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) councillor Abbas Warasally and IFP councillor Mthembeni Majola agreed that the local municipality are the reason for these uncalled for protests, and that they should not address residents about delivering services without approaching the relevant departments.
The residents accuse the local municipality of failing to deliver basic services to their community.