POTCHEFSTROOM – The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena urges law abiding citizens in Blydeville outside Lichtenburg to work together with the police in ensuring that those who are behind the violent protests that broke out in the early hours of Friday morning, 10 September 2021, are exposed and arrested.

This follows an incident in which some members of the community torched two trucks and a Nissan bakkie at approximately 04:00 on the R503 road. The reasons that led to the incidents are yet to be determined.

Motorists and members of the community using the R503 between Coligny and Lichtenburg as well as the R505 between Ottosdal and Lichtenburg are urged to exercise caution and cooperate with law enforcement officials who are there to divert traffic and ensure the safety of all road users.

We are aware of the reports that a person was allegedly shot by the police and later died in hospital. This matter is under investigation and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) has been informed accordingly.

Members of the community are once more warned that the police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who disrespects the rule of law.

At this stage, nobody has been arrested and no reports of injuries have been received.

Police are maintaining their presence in the area to ensure calm.

Source: South African Police Service