21 people arrested for public violence as Praktiseer burns
PRAKTISEER
The violent protests In Praktiseer has seen several people sustaining injuries. On Wednesday, three of the protesters were nursing horrific injuries at local hospitals. The remonstrations have also affected businesses and government departments as most were closed closing during the week.
The march started on Tuesday, 14 August as community members protested against the high crime rate in the area.
The villagers indicated that there is a well-known gang known as the Die Hard (DH) which operates in Praktiseer. According to residents the gang is responsible for crimes such as murder, robberies and rape in their area. One of the resident revealed that the gang allegedly killed one local two weeks ago.
Limpopo police spokesman Moatshe Ngoepe said the violent protests have led to 21 people being arrested.
“The arrests emanate from the violent protests which erupted from the early hours of Tuesday. This after the local community members blocked the Praktiseer road and later marched to Tubatse Magistrate court. The protesters were demanding that the murder suspect be denied bail.
He added that the suspects will appear before the Praktiseer Magistrate Court soon and more arrests were still expected.
Ngoepe said public order police members were deployed in the area and the situation was stabilized.
Meanwhile the acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers condemned the violent nature of these protests. He said they infringe on the rights of other members of society.
