Eighteen arrested after going on the rampage, demanding liquor and cigarettes.
Eighteen people, aged between 25 and 61 years, were arrested by Fraserburg Police after they went on the rampage, demanding liquor and cigarettes.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba, said the suspects were arrested on Saturday, May 2, 2020, between 4pm and 6pm.
“It was reported that residents went on the rampage demanding that they be sold liquor and cigarettes. Police were pelted with stones while attempting to disperse the crowd. A police member’s hand was broken and the windows of a police bakkie were damaged.
“The crowd also looted a tuckshop and groceries worth about R100 000 was stolen.”
Ramatseba said the 18 suspects were arrested on charges relating to malicious damage to property, housebreaking and theft and contravention of the Disaster Management Act regulations.
It is believed that the community became angry after they saw police officers buying cigarettes at local tuckshops. Residents then proceeded to loot the shops.
Community members stated that they were also craving cigarettes and that it was unfair that the police officers were able to smoke.
Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
According to Ramatseba, the accused are expected to appear before the Fraserburg Magistrate’s Court soon. “The police investigation continues,” he said.
