37 held over Volksrust unrest

2008-09-13 08:02

Thabisile Khoza

Volksrust - In the past week, 37 people have been arrested in connection with anti-corruption riots that started in Vukuzakhe outside Volksrust.

Four suspects are minors and were released into their parents' custody when they appeared in the Volksrust Magistrate's Court on Friday.

Sixteen adults were remanded in custody until Monday.

The remaining 17 suspects, including another four minors, were released on warning after appearing on Wednesday and will appear again on October 6.

Superintendent Abie Khoabane said all 37 accused were charged with public violence and malicious damage to property.

The community is demanding the removal of Mayor Mapaseka Madonsela and municipal manager Lood de Jager of the Pixley ka Seme municipality in Volksrust.

Local government and housing MEC Candith Mashego-Dlamini had instituted an investigation into Madonsela, de Jager and chief financial officer Lynette van der Merwe earlier this year.

De Jager is accused of paying his own son R13 500 for one day of training an employee in basic computer skills last year. Van der Merwe allegedly approved the payment and has already been suspended.

Madonsela is accused of placing her son in a training programme for traffic officers and hiring him as a municipal traffic officer this year.

Khoabane said 70 police officers were deployed to the area this week and had restored calm.

Irate residents had blocked roads with burning tyres and rocks since Sunday. They also threw stones at the police, injuring a 26-year-old constable who had to be hospitalised for head injuries.

"The situation grew worse on Tuesday when they were started burning a car and forced shop owners to close their businesses," said Khoabane.

He said children were also unable to attend class on Thursday and Friday for fear of their safety.

Last month, 13 people were arrested after setting fire to the houses and cars of four councillors in protests against tariff increases.

- African Eye