LIMPOPO – A total of 10 suspects have been arrested thus far, following incidents of public violence in Bela Bela township on Tuesday morning.

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said by last night, all the access roads leading to the township as well as several major roads inside were still blocked with burning tyres, stones, trees and various other objects.

“The situation is quiet but tense. Members of the local police station as well as members of Public Order Policing have been deployed in the area to patrol and monitor the situation,” Mojapelo said.

The private vehicle of the local mayor as well as a building were set alight however, no reports of any serious injuries were received.

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has condemned the violent nature of of the protests. He urged residents to reach an amicable agreement to their grievances and not resort to violence and destruction of property.

“Although we understand that members of the community have the right to protest, the Police will not allow any form of violence or destruction of property” he said.

He urged urged everybody to resort to peaceful protest actions or to face the necessary police action.

Mojapelo says the arrested suspects will appear in the local Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, on charges ranging from public violence, arson and malicious damage to property.

“More arrests are expected,” he concluded.

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