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Communities need to support and give interventions aimed at fast tracking implementation of the local government turn-around strategy and ward-based planning a chance, Acting Premier for North West Province, MEC for Education and Training, Louisa Mabe appealed on Sunday.

The Acting Premier was reacting to the torching of houses of two councillors and a headman in Taung and a school in Bona Bona.

In condemning the incidents in which a tribal kraal was also torched by about 20 youths in Manokane village on Friday, Mabe called on communities to refrain from unlawful violent protests and opt for dialogue and constructive engagement around their community development needs.

“We are concerned about the tide of criminality, lawlessness and the trend to plunge communities in violence without a second thought or regard for the consequences.

Police will not stand idle and watch the mayhem but will have to act to protect properties and the lives of the innocent.

We cannot afford to have a situation where public and private properties are vandalised, their possessions stolen and vehicles belonging to innocent passers-by are stoned and people threatened with violence under the guise of service delivery protests, "she said.

Three people arrested in connection with the Manokwane incident are expected to appear in the Taung Magistrate court on Monday to answer to charges of public violence and arson.