Rustenburg Police arrest 16 people for public violence in Marikana
Police arrested at least 16 people on Tuesday, 13 May 2014 at approximately 13:30 for public violence at Mmaditlokwe informal settlement in Marikana.
The community members blockaded roads with burning tyres and rubble in protest against apparent and recent blasts at the nearby Tharisa mine. They further alleged that the blasts at the mine are damaging their homes and also affecting health of their children.
Police first engaged the community and appealed to them to disperse and not to block the road. However, they became violent and threw stones at the police.
In order to bring calm, the police were forced to use rubber bullets to disperse the unruly crowd. The arrested suspects include 14 females and two males with ages not yet confirmed. They are expected to appear at the Marikana Magistrates’ Court soon facing charges of public violence. There were no reports of injuries received during the incident.
