POLOKWANE – The Seshego Magistrate’s Court has ordered ANC member Jossey Buthane to report to the Polokwane Police Station once a week until his next appearance as part of his bail conditions.
Buthane handed himself over to police on Friday after being summoned to the Seshego Police Station and he was arrested on a charge of attempted murder and possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Read more: Jossey Buthane charged with attempted murder
He was released on R5 000 bail and will next appear on July 2. He was also ordered to not be in contact with state witnesses and to not visit Seshego, where his voting station is from May 24 until May 29 when he will be casting his vote.
Buthane’s arrest stems from the violent clashes in Juju Valley on Sunday, which the party stated involved members and volunteers from both the ANC and EFF, and in which several people sustained severe injuries.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Buthane was arrested in connection with the attempted murder of a 25-year-old man who was shot during the incident.
The incident also resulted in a nine-year-old girl sustaining gunshot wounds.
“Cases of malicious damage to property, robbery, and contravention of Sec 87(1)(f) of Electoral Act 1998, among others, is still under investigation,” his statement read.
The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed Buthane’s arrest and commended the investigating team for the remarkable breakthrough.
“The police will continue to uphold the rule of law and order, thus protecting the democratic rights of all citizens to vote in a safe and secure environment. The police will act harshly against anyone who conducts himself or herself with impunity irrespective of social standing,” Hadebe said.
Meanwhile, the police are continuously monitoring closely the areas identified as hotspots to respond to any emergencies or threats that may arise during the election period.
The ANC regional spokesperson Adolph Rapetswa said they view Buthane’s arrest as politically motivated.
