According to municipal spokesperson, Zongezile Ntjwabule, the protest erupted after the municipality experienced water cuts which lasted for eight days.

Njtwabule says this was as a result of a broken water pump at the local water treatment plant.

According to Ntjwabule the situation has been addressed and the process of pumping water from the plant to reservoirs has already begun.

“We had three water tankers delivering water to the affected areas, including schools,” he adds. 

The crowd has since reportedly been dispersed by police.

ALSO READ: Free State municipality fails to pay workers yet again

The struggling municipality could find itself without a mayor soon, but this depends on the ruling ANC’s step aside policy (adopted at the 2017 Nasrec National Conferee) which stipulates that members accused of serious crimes must relinquish their positions in the party.

ALSO READ: Free State ANC faces step-aside dilemma

Mayor Dimakatso Modise stands accused of inciting violence, which led to protests in two Townships - including Makeleketla and Masilo in 2021 respectively. 

ALSO READ: FS mayor in cuffs after being linked to violent protests

During the protests, a house belonging to the parents of the former mayor - Kunatu Stephen Koloane - was set alight.

ALSO READ: Further 21 protesters arrested at Winburg

As a result at least 20 people, including 3 minors, were arrested by the police but were later released.

OFM News