KING WILLIAM’S TOWN: The cowardly acts of arson at Bathurst near Port Alfred where five (5) homes and four(4) vehicles were gutted last night and approximately 9 persons have been treated at the local hospital after violent protests erupted yesterday afternoon have been condemned in the strongest terms by Eastern Cape Police Senior Management.

It is alleged that the incidents started at approximately 17:00 last night, 10 January 2019, when local political party agents took part in a motorcade. During the motorcade, groups of community members started stoning vehicles and attacking members of the community. At the same time, reports were received of a house that was set alight. A short while later three more reports were received of homes being burnt. Reports of four vehicles that were also apparently burnt were received.

Several cases including arson, malicious damage to property and assault have been opened for investigation. Five (5) suspects, aged between 20 and 55 have been arrested and more arrests are imminent.

Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga strongly condemned the coward acts of arson. We cannot allow people to burn or torch other peoples’ houses or property despite any disagreements or reasons. The 72-hour Activation Plan has been implemented to investigate, track, arrest and bring to justice those suspected and responsible for such violent acts within this community, said Eastern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga earlier today.

Source: South African Police Service