32 arrested after NW Mayor held hostage
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A total of 32 people including nine woman were arrested by Lichtenburg police late last night after Ditsobotla Local Municipality mayor, Daniel Buthelezi, was allegedly held hostage by a group of protesting community members. A group of about 35 people stormed into a meeting at the municipal offices and demanded Buthelezi address them. They were unhappy that the ward was not included in the Integrated Development Plan. Police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, says Buthelezi was held at the municipal building from 16:30 and was released after successful negotiations by police and other role players at 01:00 this morning.
Mokgwabone says when Buthelezi was allegedly taken hostage, the group community members involved allegedly set a part of the building a light. The fire was quenched in a short space of time.
No firearms were found in possession of the suspects. The suspects are expected to appear in the local Magistrate's Court soon on charges of kidnapping arson and attempted murder.
Mokgwabone says when Buthelezi was allegedly taken hostage, the group community members involved allegedly set a part of the building a light. The fire was quenched in a short space of time.
No firearms were found in possession of the suspects. The suspects are expected to appear in the local Magistrate's Court soon on charges of kidnapping arson and attempted murder.
