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Tensions flare in FS township following #YouthDay murder

───   OLEBOGENG MOTSE 15:36 Wed, 17 Jun 2020

Tensions flare in FS township following #YouthDay murder | News Article
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Tensions flared up in the large Free State township of Botshabelo this week, after the body of an alleged would-be robber was found in a local spaza shop on Youth Day.


The discovery and subsequent arrest of two shop owners led to a wave of violence and looting of other foreign-owned shops in the area - over 60 km outside Bloemfontein. Free State police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, says so far seven people have been arrested for public violence and looting.

As a result of the arrests late on Tuesday evening, it is yet to be confirmed when are they appearing in court, but it has to be within 48 working hours of the arrest. 

The 42- and 45-year-old implicated in the murder of the alleged robber, Lesego Matha, are also yet to appear before the Botshabelo Magistrate's Court. 

Regarding the murder, police arrived at the scene of the crime on Tuesday morning at 07:00, finding Matha’s body with bruises to his face and head. Makhele says the deceased also had teeth missing. 

The shop owners informed the police the deceased and two others attempted to rob the store that morning when the incident occurred.

 A toy gun was found in the vicinity of the body and belonged to the suspects. Public Order Police have been called in to monitor the situation in Botshabelo closely.


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