19 Apr 2018 | 03:48 PM UTC
South Africa: Protesters loot shops in North West province April 18-19
Protesters loot shops in North West province April 18-19; at least nine arrested
Event
Protesters demanding the resignation of Supra Mahumapelo, Premier of North West province, looted stores overnight from Wednesday, April 18, to Thursday, April 19 (local time). Among the areas most affected by the looting were townships in the city of Mahikeng; most of the shops robbed are owned by foreigners.
Protesters also set fire to a bus and a trailer and barricaded roads in North West province before being dispersed by police early on Thursday; police have arrested at least nine demonstrators. Additional protests, incidents of looting, heightened security measures, and localized associated transportation disruptions are possible in North West province, particularly in Mahikeng, in the coming days.
Context
The administration of Mahumapelo, in office since 2014, has been criticized over alleged corruption and its perceived failure to deliver adequate public services to the population of North West province.
Advice
Individuals in North West province, particularly in Mahikeng, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
