Authorities are, however, pressing on with the case against two suspects in the group for public violence, arson and malicious damage to property. Police spokesperson, Adele Myburgh tells OFM News the 28-year-old Phindile Nkambule and 37-year-old Elias Seokolo were granted R1000 bail each by the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Monday. They are set to return to the same court next week.

The two men were arrested alongside six others on Friday, September 20, in Khuma following investigations by local police into the violent protest action that week that descended into chaos, with eight houses being torched - the majority of which belonged to ward councillors. Disgruntled residents are reported to have been angered by the lack of response to a memorandum handed to the Matlosana Local Municipality last month. The situation intensified to such an extent that Premier Job Mokgoro visited the area, in a bid to quell the tension. Myburgh is unable to confirm at this stage when or if the case against the six suspects will be re-enrolled.

OFM News