REFILWE MEKOA
The situation is calm outside Bothaville Magistrate’s Court where members of the ANC and the EFF are appearing on charges of public violence.
Free State police spokesperson Stephen Thakeng said they have erected barb wire outside the court for the two picketing political parties not to be in contact. He explained that a large police contingent deployed at the Bothaville Magistrate’s Court is monitoring the situation while the case is still in process.
Thakeng could not disclose the number of public order police officers that have been deployed, but said there will be “enough” to ensure peace and stability. Twenty-nine people, including the current mayor of the Nala Municipality, Theko Mogoje, as well as former Mayor Godfrey Tsoai, are appearing on charges of public violence, malicious damage to property, arson and attempted murder. Sixteen of the suspects are believed to be EFF members while the remaining thirteen are ANC members. Thakeng said supporters from both political parties are gathered at the court in support of their colleagues.
Last month, violent service delivery protests erupted during which the homes of four Nala Municipality Councillors and two Kgotsong residents were gutted, and another two damaged.
