Buzzing city turned into ghost town

Police make 16 arrests in chaos

Seven more people had been arrested by last night for violence in Mahikeng‚ North West, bringing the total to 16.

Violent service delivery protests erupted on Wednesday as residents also called for premier Supra Mahumapelo to step down.

The police said in a statement last night that the seven suspects, aged between 22 and 60, were arrested in Danville and Lomanyaneng.

They are expected to appear in the Mmabatho Magistrate’s Court today. The first group of nine were arrested on Wednesday and appeared in court yesterday.

“They were all released on warning and will appear in court again on May 29‚” the polic said.

The police said they will remain in the area until the situation stabilised.

“Due to the protest and barricading of major roads‚ Onkgopotse Tiro Comprehensive School learners had to stay without eating the whole day as the truck that was carrying their meals was delayed‚ until it was escorted by the police,” said the police.

Rubber bullets were also fired in the town’s CBD last night as the heavy police presence continued patrolling the tense town.

Meanwhile, members of the community complained last night of police heavy-handedness in dealing with their protest.

They said the town would be shut down unless their demands were met.