POLOKWANE – Four men who were arrested following violent protests in Seshego in January, appeared in the Seshego Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

The suspects, among whom Provincial EFF Leader, Jossey Buthane, are facing charges of attempted murder, theft, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and kidnapping. Two of the accused were arrested on Wednesday, and the other two the following day.

The men are said to have gone on the rampage on 12 January, looking for persons in Seshego they suspected were linked to criminal activities. In the process, the suspects allegedly damaged property, kidnapped one man and assaulted him.

The Provincial Commissioner of the police, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba strongly condemned the conduct of those taking the law into their own hands. “People wanting to assist the police in fighting crime must do so legally. Anyone who commits a crime in the name of assisting the police, will be arrested regardless of his or her status in society,” concluded Ledwaba.

All four accused were granted R1 000 bail each and their cases were postponed to 6 March.

More arrests are expected, the police confirmed.