POTCHEFSTROOM – Nine public violence suspects aged between 19 and 41 will reappear in the Bloemhof Magistrates’ Court tomorrow after being remanded in custody upon first appearance on Thursday, 23 October 2019.

The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, 22 October 2019. Of the nine suspects, eight are facing charges of public violence and contravention of the Road Traffic Act, 1996, after pelting passing motorists with stones on the N12 road on Tuesday. The ninth suspect, who was on R500.00 bail for public violence, has been charged with incitement to commit Public Violence and Arson. He was nabbed at the local Community Health Centre after he allegedly intimidated and forced employees to close the centre.

Meanwhile, two other suspects aged 19 and 35 are expected to appear at the same court after they were arrested on Wednesday, 23 October 2019 for public violence. The arrests bring the total number to 11 suspects apprehended since Tuesday, 22 October 2019.

The police noted with concern that there are individuals who threaten workers, including government employees, not to go to work. In one of the incidents, an Emergency Medical and Rescue Services (EMRS) employee was today threatened with violence. Members of the community are therefore urged to call 10177 in case of a need for ambulance services.

The community is once more urged to refrain from sharing, through social media platforms, intimidating and misleading messages as they cause unnecessary tension. We would like to indicate clearly that the police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who directly or indirectly incites, intimidates or engages in any prohibited conduct.

Source: South African Police Service