Ditsobotla Mayor: Lichtenburg protests orchestrated by those with personal agenda

Protests broke out last week when hundreds of resident went on a rampage, burning several trucks, stoning vehicles and torching houses. 

Residents are demanding Buthulezi step down. He's accused of corruption. 

"These issues which are being raised, have never been raised before. That's why I say, certain individuals are trying to take advantage of the situation and trying to hijack issues of service delivery and alleged maladministration. I am a very principled man," Buthulezi says. 

He would not be drawn on the identities of those he believes to be behind the violence. 

"I cannot just reveal their names and their party. However, some of them once benefitted from this municipality and maybe to them I am a stumbling block because they are not in a position to infiltrate the municipality," Buthulezi explains. 

Meanwhile, North West Premier, Supra Mahumapelo, has called for calm.

The premier's spokesperson Brian Setswambung says: "The premier has appointed a task team comprising of five MECs to investigate the issues being raised by protestors."

Police are monitoring the situation.

Rubber bullets have been fired in an attempt to disperse the crowds.