×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

North West mayor released after hostage drama

A hostage drama at the Ditsobotla municipal offices in the North West has ended after the mayor was held up by residents for hours‚ police said on Thursday morning.

“(He was released) just before one o’clock in the morning‚” said police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone.

“The mayor is not harmed in any way.”

Mokgwabone said charges of arson‚ kidnapping and attempted murder are being investigated.

“It is still quiet at the moment‚ including the portion of the building that was set alight. Police are maintaining a presence in the area. No injuries have been reported‚” Mokgwabone said.

Protests erupt in DiepkloofBurning tyres and rocks were strewn across roads as service delivery protests erupted in Diepkloof‚ Soweto‚ early on Wednesday. 

The DA’s Jacqueline Theologo‚ who was on the scene on Wednesday‚ said about 40 members from the nearby Phola community had stormed into the municipal offices in the afternoon and took the mayor hostage.

Theologo said the community had threatened to set themselves alight out of sheer desperation for their concerns to be heard.

“Service delivery is in a terrible state in this area. It is really a hell of a situation‚” she said.

TMG Digital

 

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.