Staff Reporter
Free State police are on high alert after sporadic protests flared up in the province.
At least four towns were reportedly affected.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Sam Makhele said in a statement one vehicle was burnt while some tuckshops were looted and several roads were blocked with stones and burning tyres.
He said on Sunday night at about 21:00, a group of demonstrators in Allanridge started singing on the streets leading to four shops owned by foreign nationals being looted.
“The group then damaged the Satellite Police Station with stones, breaking window panes and there was an attempt to burn it,” said Makhele.
“Motorists on the R30 were pelted with stones, damaging three vehicles and one vehicle was burned.
“A case of public violence and malicious damage to property as well as possession of suspected stolen property were reported.”
Police in Allanridge followed information provided by residents which led to the arrest of four suspects – two males and two females – and large quantities of groceries stolen from shops were seized.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Odendaalsrus Magistrates Court soon.
In Meloding, Virginia a group of about 50 demonstrators were dispersed by public order police after streets and the entrance to Meloding were blocked with burning tyres and stones.
The situation is now under control with strong police visibility.
At least six people were arrested for public violence.
In Thabong, Welkom, the main roads were blocked with burning tyres and stones.
About 21 people were arrested for public violence and are also expected to appear in the Welkom Magistrates Court soon.
The situation is back to normal as roads were cleared for traffic to flow.
“In Welkom, tyres were burnt on the streets of Riebeeckstad and Rheederspark,” said the police spokesperson.
“The protesters also blocked the streets with stones but police intervened and cleared the roads for traffic to flow freely.
“The situation is now under control.”
Makhele said in Ventersburg the N1 was blocked with burning tyres and stones and passing motorists were pelted with stones.
Petrol bombs were also used but didn’t affect any vehicles on this road.
Makhele said the situation was being closely monitored and police were on high alert.
He warned motorists in the affected areas to remain vigilant as the situation could change at any moment.