More than 20 suspects in court for violence at muni offices

Subsequent to the alleged violent attacks and disruptions at the offices of the Mogalakwena Municipality in Mokopane last Tuesday and Wednesday and the torching of a garbage removal vehicle on Saturday, more than 20 suspects have appeared in the local magistrate’s court on various charges.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe indicated that five suspects, Khazamola Simon Lebese, Phiness Kekana, Andrina Matsemela, Nyaweni Madimetja July and Mpho Sunnyboy Shai have appeared in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on charges of common assault on Friday and were released on warning until their next appearance on 19 July.
Another five suspects, Salome Matlala, Michael Rapatsa, Sunny Tlhako, Lesiba Langa and Kenneth Ramasobane appeared in the same court last Thursday facing charges of malicious damage to property and the matter was postponed to 26 July. Matlala and Rapatsa were released on R1 000 bail while the rest were released on warning.
The 20 suspects who face charges of trespassing also appeared in court last Thursday and are expected back in court on 2 August. They are Lawrence Sibasa, Nhlanhla Rangane, Matsobanyane Nyoni, David Rabekane, Willy Matlaila, Sello Sewela, Gift Kekana, Thabang Mokonyane, Nelson Marakalane, William Selota, Mpho Tjale, Ignacious Marakalala, Daniel Ledwaba, Khomotjo Mashao, William Hlongwane, Kenneth Mogale, Sylvester Masenya, Prince Makhutja, Wisani Sithole and Jeffery Chakasa.
The court appearances follow an incident last Tuesday when a group of persons allegedly arrived at the municipal offices and attacked the security officers guarding the premises. The group then forced entry into the municipal chamber and disrupted the proceedings of a council sitting.
A number of people were allegedly assaulted and the doors to the council chamber damaged, Ngoepe confirmed. He verified that five suspects were subsequently arrested.
The disruptions reportedly continued on Wednesday when another group of people allegedly mobilised themselves and forcefully entered the same premises. They threatened the security officers and entered the yard where after they closed all the gates. The Police were summoned and more than 20 trespassers were arrested.
No arrests were made yet in connection with a garbage removal truck which was allegedly set alight at a certain premises in Mokopane where it was parked and due for repairs.
Ngoepe confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property is being investigated.
Spokesperson for Mogalakwena Municipality, Selokela Malesela could not elaborate on the possible motive behind the incidents.

Story: RC Myburgh
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