Provincial police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, says the group will appear before the Theunissen Magistrate's Court within 48 hours of their arrest. Makhele did not indicate what charges the group of five is facing. 

On Monday 19 April, OFM News reported that disgruntled community members had barricaded the ZR Mahabane Road with burning tyres as protest action flared up in Theunissen, which is located about 35km from Winburg. Both towns fall under the financially strained Masilonyana Local Municipality.

The protesting group in Theunissen is reported to have scattered refuse material in the Masilo Township, in addition to barricading the ZR Mahabane Road. 

Whilst schools and traffic flow were disturbed, the situation remains a far cry from the chaos that has engulfed neighbouring Winburg, where a further 21 people, including minors, were arrested for public violence on Monday. 

It has also been reported that at least 13 small shops – mostly owned by foreign nationals – were looted and damaged since last week. Makhele says the situation in both towns remains tense, however, Public Order Police are keeping a close watch on the situation.

OFM News