GQEBERHA – The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe has strongly condemned the unruly behaviour of individuals allegedly involved in service delivery protests in the Nelson Mandela Bay metro.

Last night, 26 May 2021 at about 21:05, a total of nine buses were set alight and completely destroyed at a depot in Motherwell. It is alleged that while the security guard was conducting his routine patrols around the depot, he noticed a bus on fire. He ran to get assistance and by the time he returned, other buses were burning.  No injuries were sustained. The estimated value of the buses is R12 million. A case of malicious damage to property is under investigation by SAPS Motherwell detectives. At this stage there are no arrests.

The six suspects aged between 20-35 arrested on Tuesday, 25 May 2021 on charges under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, 18 of 2015 – damage to infrastructure and public violence will be appearing today in the Motherwell magistrates’ court. 

Lt Gen Ntshinga has warned protestors that even though it is their constitutional right to engage in protests, this must be done in a peaceful manner and within the confines of the law. ‘Damaging the infrastructure, destroying property, blockading roads and hindering basic services are criminal acts and will not be tolerated. I urge the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay metro to resolve their issues amicably with the relevant authorities and to refrain from committing criminal acts and protests especially when we are still in the midst of the corona virus pandemic. We will decisively deal with those offenders who are riotous and unruly during these protest actions,’  warned Lt Gen Ntshinga.

Source: South African Police Service