According to the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) regional spokesperson, Phaladi Shuping, the case was struck off the roll because the suspect's time limit in custody had lapsed. He says they were arrested on Wednesday 16 June 2021 morning but brought to court only on Monday 21, which is much longer than 48 hours. Phaladi further confirmed that 42 of the 47 residents who appeared in court on Monday for public violence and tampering with infrastructure were released on warning and their case was postponed to 20 August 2021 for further investigations. Only one accused was remanded in custody due to a previous conviction and is set to re-appear at the same court on Wednesday 23 June for a formal bail application.

According to Phaladi, 47 residents appeared in court on Monday, compared to 55 stated in the police report. 

The arrests followed the spate of violent protests by irate residents over the collapse of service delivery in the embattled Maluti-A-Phofung Municipality. The residents also want the area to be removed from this municipality. On Monday, police spokesperson Motantsi Makhele said the police had heightened their visibility with high patrols intensified in and around Harrismith, Tshiame, and the Makgolokweng Village. He said the situation in the area was quiet on both national routes, including the N5 and N3.

OFM News reported that the ANC Free State Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) says it has met with protesting residents of Harrismith, who are being plagued by the collapse of service delivery.

ANC IPC convenor, Mxolisi Dukwana, said the IPC has met with irate residents twice already and there will also be follow-up meetings between them and residents.

OFM News