WATCH: Twelve arrested in violent Kroonstad protests

Central SA

─── PULANE CHOANE 12:31 Thu, 04 Apr 2019

Photo: Twitter

The police in the Free State say they are continuing to monitor the situation in Kroonstad as residents continue to protest against an alleged lack of service delivery from the Moqhaka Local Municipality which serves the Kroonstad area.

This follows after violent protests broke out on Tuesday morning in Kroonstad’s Brent Park area, where residents allegedly complained about water cuts in the area which ultimately led to the protests. OFM News’ Pulane Choane reports that several people have been arrested and will appear in one of the local courts tomorrow.

Police spokesperson in the Free State, Stephen Thakeng, told OFM News that so far 12 people have been arrested yesterday on charges relating to public violence. He further said that the suspects will appear at the Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court on Friday.

Meanwhile, OFM News tried to get hold of the municipal spokesperson, Dika Kheswa, with no success. However, questions on the matter have been forwarded to him.

Meanwhile, the angry residents are calling for the Premier in the province, Sefora Ntombela, to come and address their issues, which include questions regarding why the Brent Park area, which is allegedly swarming with drug lords, has no police station; why water and power supply restrictions occur so often; illegal dumping; as well as the non-fixing of potholes. SABC News reports on its Free State Facebook page that three weeks ago similar protests took place in the area where residents blockaded all roads leading into the area with bricks and burning tyres. The residents were demanding services to their area as they claim to be discriminated against.