62 arrested in North West protest
2012-02-18 21:34
Johannesburg - Police arrested 62 people in connection with various crimes committed during protests in Bapong, North West, police said on Saturday.
Brigadier Thulani Ngubane said 28 people were arrested for public violence, two for being in possession of suspected stolen property and three for possession of dagga on Friday.
Other arrests included being in the country illegally and drinking in public as well as the unlawful sale of alcohol.
He said on Thursday protesters burnt down the local post office. No arrests were made.
On Wednesday protesters stole meat from a delivery truck.
Ngubane said R5000 worth of meat was stolen.
Another truck was set alight by protesting residents on Tuesday.
Ngubane said the protesters, mainly young people, were protesting about unemployment.
He said residents were concerned about unemployment and were reportedly angry with local companies, including Lonmin's platinum mine, claiming it had failed to create jobs for them.
The protests have been going on since August last year.
- SAPA