This as the angry residents are on the rampage, burning and destroying property for almost three months now in a bid to get rid of the embattled mayor, Thandiwe Reachable.

Big businesses, including supermarkets and filling stations, have been forced to close down for a week now since the violence in the area escalated again last week. As a result of the violence, employees of the Letsemeng Local Municipality and the Petra Diamonds Mine have been forced to stay home in fear of their lives. Earlier a local tavern was set alight and destroyed by residents who described it as a place of the devil.

One of the residents who spoke to OFM News anonymously said the foreign national businesses, both in town and in the Ditlhake Township, have been allowed to operate because the residents must be able to buy food and other necessary items.

 One of the foreign business owners also told OFM News that despite the violent protests in the area, they have kept their businesses open because they need to pay rent.

OFM News previously reported that following the violence in that area sixteen, of the hundred suspects that were arrested earlier this year for their part in violent protests in Koffiefontein, appeared in the Local Magistrate's Court last week.

The group that appeared in court on Wednesday will make their next court appearance on 16 January next year as the case was postponed for further investigation. The suspects are accused of public violence and arson, as it is alleged they damaged public property.

OFM News