According to police spokesperson in the Free State, Stephen Thakeng, residents of Mmamahabane continued to barricade some roads with burning tyres and stones and also disrupted schools and public transport this morning. He explained that about 200 irate residents marched to the Central Business District (CBD), singing struggle songs and demanding to be addressed by the MEC of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA). Thakeng, however, added that the traffic is currently flowing on the N1 and R70 roads as police are monitoring the situation.

Last week, residents of  Mmamahabane walked to the municipal offices to demand water. After no response from the municipality, the residents barricaded the N1 and R70 roads with rubbish, stones and burning tyres. Matjhabeng's municipal spokesperson, Tshediso Tlali, told OFM News that the municipality is aware of the protests that erupted and is investigating the matter.

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Eight people were arrested last week during protests. Thakeng added that two suspects remained in custody as they already had criminal records. They are expected to apply for bail on 23 May 2023. The other six suspects were warned and granted free bail and they will appear in court again on 20 June 2023 after the case was postponed for further investigations. 

Thakeng revealed that the six suspects who were released on bail were warned not to participate in any illegal gathering.

ALSO READ: Six protesters from Mmamahabane in court

OFM News