PRETORIA – The Hawks’ Organised Crime Investigation team attached to Crimes against the State (CATS) arrested Joe Bernington Mabaso (47) on Tuesday for incitement to violence related to July riots.

Following a lengthy investigation the team executed a search warrant at a house along Chork bush Street in Braamfischer near Dobsonville in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The search resulted in electronic devices including cell phones, a licenced firearm and clothing of Dobsonville Community Policing Forum being seized for further analysis.

Mabaso has since made a brief court appearance in the Roodeport Magistrates’ court facing charges of incitement to commit public violence. Further charges haven’t been ruled out as consultations continue with the Prosecutor.

The case has however been postponed to 31 January 2021 pending finalization of the investigation, whilst Mabaso was released on R1000 bail.

Source: South African Police Service