Several individuals were arrested this morning following the unrest that led to escalating tensions between authorities and residents in Botshabelo informal settlements next to N8 main road.

Free State Police spokesperson, Thabo Covane, said the unrest started on Saturday (24/2) when SAPS members from Selosesha were mobilised following a meeting between residents and local government personnel in F-Section, Botshabelo. Community members then barricaded part of F-Section and N8 East National Road with stones and burning tyres. Covane said one protester was arrested after police intervention.

Covane added eleven other protesters, including eight females and four males aged between 20 and 47 were arrested today. This after police was called again after residents barricaded N8 East National Road with stones and burning tyres at about 03:00 today.

OFM News reported that embarked on a protest, demanding the Mnagaung Metro Mayor, Gregory Nthatisi, ward councilors, and Sanco to stop deterring their process of getting residential sites.

Covane said cases of public violence with added charges of Contravention of Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18/2015 and National Road Traffic Act 93/1996; Section 319 were opened at Boithuso Police Station. Arrested protesters will appear in Botshabelo Magistrate Court soon.

OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg