By Everson Luhanga
Vehicles were torched during a violent protest in Mahikeng on Monday, causing major traffic problems.
Protesters also went to high schools where they forced learners out of the classrooms and made them join the protests.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said several community members in the early hours of Monday barricaded various roads including the N18 in Makhubung village and the R503 in Danville.
He said unidentified people torched a bus and a delivery truck at Extension 39 and Montshiwastad respectively.
“Schooling has also been disrupted by yet-to-be-identified groups that removed learners from schools, particularly at the Montshiwa location,” he said.
The North West Education Department issued a warning against protests that prevent schools from operating smoothly.
The protest disrupted teaching, particularly affecting Grade 12 learners who are busy with their June examinations.
Brigadier Mokgwabone said by early afternoon, the situation was under control and police in the Greater Mahikeng and Public Order Police were working hard to maintain order.
“Barricades were removed from most of the affected national and provincial roads to allow traffic to flow freely,” he said.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena condemned the eruption of public violence incidents in Mahikeng in the strongest possible terms.
“We also urge members of the community including community policing forum members to be the eyes and ears of the police by reporting instigators and anyone who incites violence,” he said.
General Kwena said that police will not hesitate to trace and arrest those who are responsible for these acts of violence.
Police are maintaining their presence in the area.
Pictured above: The protest action.
Image source: Everson Luhanga
