Altogether 61 public violence and theft suspects were released on bail by the Evander Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 18 October.
They were arrested on 16 October during the service delivery protest during which several municipal buildings were torched.
Only 74 of the 100 locals detained appeared in court.
Three were released after they were not linked to the cases and 10 remained in custody for further investigation.
They will re-appear in court on 15 November.
Capt Magonzeni Nkosi, police spokesman, said nine other suspects were arrested on 18 October for being in possession of suspected stolen property, including groceries and two fridges stolen from Somali shops during the protest.
“They face charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
“Two of them face additional charges of possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.”
Police recovered various stolen items, including the municipal safe that was stolen before the municipality’s main office was set alight.
The protest began on 15 October over the Eskom bulk power interruptions due to the municipal Eskom debt.
The residents burnt all the municipal offices at the previous municipality in Extension 8, 14 and 17 and 27 vehicles in their fleet.
Three shops belonging to Somali nationals were also burnt down.
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Also read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/100098/angry-mobs-torch-former-municipal-managers-business-embalenhle/
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/100675/da-opens-criminal-case-against-mhlanga/
https://www.citizen.co.za/ridge-times/100500/da-eskom-march-planned-3-november/
