These residents were arrested amidst protests which were ignited after planned Freedom Day Celebrations - previously set to be held in the area - were moved to Botshabelo outside Bloemfontein. 

Makhele says the situation in the area is still tense and the Public Order Police (POP) are continuing to monitor the situation. Police continued with arrests on Monday morning while Makeleketla remained shut, with streets barricaded with rocks and varying objects.

Meanwhile, the nine protesting residents who were initially arrested on Friday, were released on R500 bail on Monday.

Residents have issued a stern warning to the premier, Sisi Ntombela, amidst the protests in that area, which saw residents blocking the national N1 road with burning tyres, preventing motorists from passing.  

Makhele says the police managed to clear the road for the traffic to flow freely. He adds, however, that the road was being monitored and the traffic is flowing smoothly. 

One of the concerned residents, Sam Mogorosi, said Ntombela must be warned that residents will continue to shut down the area until their demands are met. "We are not at war with the state but if the state is at war with us, disarmed as we are, we're going to resist with our own lives, for the emancipation of our own lives," Mogorosi said to OFM News earlier.

OFM News