Mahikeng remains calm after violent protests

23rd April 2018 By: News24Wire

Mahikeng remains calm after violent protests

North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo

Mahikeng remains peaceful following three days of violent protests by residents to remove North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo.

Police spokesperson Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone told News24 that despite a few disturbances on Friday evening, things have remained calm since President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the protesters on Friday.

Nine people were arrested on Friday for public violence, which brings the total number of arrests to 32 since the protests began.

"We still need to arrest a few people. That might happen today, but it is more likely that we will arrest them tomorrow," Mokgwabone said.

Police officers have been deployed and are still monitoring the area.

Residents woke up to the aftermath of the damaging week on Saturday to pick up the pieces in the relative calm.

Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane expressed his support during a visit to Mahikeng on Saturday for those calling for Mahumapelo’s removal.

Maimane said the key issues behind the protests were the chronic corruption and maladministration in the province.

"The reality, therefore, is that the people are asking for political accountability. We stand with those people who say Supra must go," he said.