The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has strongly condemned the violent protests that have erupted in the areas around Phalaborwa, Namakgale, and Lulekani since last week. As a result of these violent protests, a decision has been taken to deploy more police members to contain the situation and to hunt down the instigators and anyone involved.
The protests have disrupted services in the areas and at some point, the major routes such as the R71 and R40 were made inaccessible by protesters who used burning tyres and other barricades to block the roads and this resulted in people failing to go to work and children were also unable to go to school.
“We will not hesitate to take strong action, including arresting anyone who instigates or participates in this violence”, said General Ledwaba. “The police will maintain their strong presence in the affected areas to contain the situation and we, therefore, urge our communities to return back to their normal lives”, concluded General Ledwaba.
Anyone with information about the suspects is requested to contact the District Commissioner of Mopani Major General Maggy Mathebula on 082 499 1969, the Crime Stop number 0860010111, or the nearest police.