EFF, forum condemn arrests

THE EFF and the Forum 4 Service Delivery have condemned the arrests of “innocent persons” during the Eff-led national shutdown, where the police arrested 131 suspects on charges of public violence and intimidation on Monday.

The regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said 19 suspects were released on a warning in Kuruman, while six people were released on a warning in Galeshewe this week.

“In Barkly West, four suspects were released on R300 bail each and one suspect’s bail was postponed until March 27. In Jan Kempdorp, the bail application of seven suspects has been postponed to March 23,” added Senokoatsane.

EFF councillor in the Dikgatlong region Lefa Leeuw stated that EFF members were shot at and their offices were targeted by the police during the shutdown.

He also condemned the looting of shops in Barkly West and distanced EFF members from any acts of vandalism.

The EFF in the Northern Cape stated that most of its members had been released on warnings or bail, where 70 out of 85 suspects who were arrested in Kuruman were released.

The party said that its members had been wrongly arrested.

“We will be battling the state, the SAPS and all their counterparts through legal recourse to ensure that justice is served and prevails.”

The provincial convener of the Forum 4 Service Delivery (F4SD), Moeketsi Ntema, stated that a councillor, EFF members, a minor and community members were among the suspects who were arrested in Jan Kempdorp.

“I received a tip-off that I would also be targeted and was advised not to take part in the protest. We were treated like hooligans, while we were only taking a stand against corruption, load shedding, poor service delivery and gender-based violence,” said Ntema.

He added that persons involved in looting were opportunists or nyaope and drug users.

“We are planning a march so that the police can give us answers as to why innocent members of the public were shot at. We will march against load shedding, unemployment, poor service delivery and crime.”

Northern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien said the police in the Province arrested 131 persons during the national shutdown.

She said the police dispersed about 150 protesters in Main Street, Kuruman on March 20 at about 12.45pm.

“The SAPS used a stun grenade and rubber bullets to disperse the group and arrested 88 protesters in and around Kuruman.

“Some of the protesters had minor injuries and received medical treatment, while one SAPS member suffered injuries to his face.”

Gamieldien added that five protesters, including two women and three men, were arrested in Barkly West after about 500 protesters blockaded the R31 road and pelted motorists and police vehicles with stones on Monday.

“One police officer was injured and had to receive medical treatment, while three police vehicles were damaged.

“The police used stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd and opened the roads to traffic.”

She said that protesters were also arrested in Kimberley, Kenhardt, Marydale, Jan Kempdorp and Danielskuil.

“Cases of public violence were opened and the police added charges of intimidation in some instances. All the suspects will be appearing in the respective courts soon.

“The SAPS is calling on all citizens in South Africa to work together with law enforcement authorities to uphold and enforce the law.”

Gamieldien stated that the police would continue to maintain high visibility in all districts.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-colonel Sergio Kock indicated that the Barkly West SAPS were also investigating five cases of business burglary after five tuck shops were broken into on March 20 in Barkly West.

“No arrests have been made yet. Anyone with information can call the acting station commander of Barkly West, Lieutenant-colonel Joseph Daniels, on 082 495 5018. The investigation continues,” Kock said.