Since the beginning of the civil unrest in Phomolong, Hennenman, on 11 April, 40 people have been arrested for public violence, incitement to commit public violence and conspiracy to commit murder.
“The situation is still tense, but the Welkom Public Order Policing (POP) members are there in numbers to ensure that there is stability,” says Capt. Stephen Thaken, media liaison officer for the Lejweleputswa police.
The arrests, in which 13 perpetrators are minors aged between 15 and 17 years, were made when residents of Phomolong barricaded the R70 road and the main streets in Phomolong with burning tyres, large rocks, rubbish and felled trees.
“Residents must be aware that the police will never allow a national road like the R70 to be closed. When the police are being thrown with stones, members of the Welkom POP will then respond with tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds,” says Thakeng.
