POTCHEFSTROOM: Following the recent acts of violence in Boikhutso Location, police in Lichtenburg successfully traced and arrested 10 suspects including a 39-year-old Ward Councillor.
On Monday, 27 April 2020, a total of nine suspects aged between 18 and 23 were arrested for crimes ranging from malicious damage to property, assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), theft to possession of suspected stolen goods. Consequently, the Ward Councillor was apprehended on Wednesday, 29 April 2020 after being linked to malicious damage to property, theft and assault with intent to do Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH). The crimes were allegedly committed on Tuesday, 21 April 2020. That after a police vehicle allegedly hit an eight-year-old boy who was certified dead on the scene. Afterwards, two police vehicles as well as an ambulance were burnt while goods were looted from several tuck-shops.
During the arrests, one suspect was found in possession of a spare wheel and a set of handcuffs while the other two were found in possession of suspected stolen groceries. The suspects appeared in the Lichtenburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 28 and Thursday, 30 April 2020. They were all remanded in custody until Tuesday, 5 May 2020 for formal bail application.
The North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the police for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the perpetrators are apprehended. He warned that the police will continue to work hard to make certain that those who undermine the authority of the State including public office bearers, are dealt with harshly.
Source: South African Police Service