| 2025/05/17 |
Media Statement
NELSPRUIT - Three suspects, aged between 18 and 43, were arrested in Dullstroom around 22:30 on Friday, 16 May 2025, for public violence and malicious damage to state property. According to the information, members from Dullstroom SAPS and the Middelburg Public Order Policing (POP) unit conducted an operation that led to the arrest of two suspects, aged 18 and 34. The individuals are alleged to have instigated and influenced a community protest on 15 May 2025, during which three SAPS vehicles were damaged after being stoned by protesters. While the suspects were being detained, a 43-year-old male community member arrived at the police station and interfered with police duties. He reportedly intimidated and threatened officers while questioning why only two individuals had been arrested, despite more people being involved. He was immediately arrested for interfering with police operations. Investigations and the tracing of additional suspects are ongoing, as more individuals were observed throwing stones at police vehicles during the unrest. All three suspects are expected to appear before the Belfast Magistrate’s Court soon, facing charges of public violence, malicious damage to state property, and interference with police duties. Police have not ruled out the possibility of adding more charges.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the arrests and strongly urged communities to engage the relevant authorities when they have concerns. “Communities must understand that state resources are there to serve them. Damaging these resources only hinders service delivery. We take such acts seriously, and those responsible will face the full might of the law,” said Major General Mkhwanazi.
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