17 arrested for arson and looting in NW
Police in North West have arrested 17 suspects in Boikhutso near Lichtenburg in connection with the ransacking of several shops and the torching of two police vehicle.
The vehicles were set alight on Tuesday when a group of community members confronted a police officer for allegedly running over and killing an 8-year-old boy.
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An ambulance was also torched by angry residents, who then proceeded to loot nearby shops.
North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone says two suspects have been charged and are set to appear in court.
“Of the 17 suspects, two were charged and warned to appear in the Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday 6 July for possession of suspected stolen goods and public violence.
“The other 15 suspects were released pending social workers’ assessment reports in terms of the Child Justice Act.”
Three police officials and two paramedics were injured and taken to hospital.