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Residents in court over protest

MORE than 80 residents of Ikgomotseng in the Free State appeared in the Soutpan magistrate's court on charges of public violence related to protests in the town last month.

MORE than 80 residents of Ikgomotseng in the Free State appeared in the Soutpan magistrate's court on charges of public violence related to protests in the town last month.

Free State police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng said the matter was postponed to August 10 for further investigations.

A total of 73 people were released on a warning, with strict bail conditions, while 10 more would remain in custody.

The police were sent to the area on May 24 when residents blocked the busy Bultfontein - Soutpan road. Tyres were burnt, roads blocked with rocks and motorists had stones thrown at them.

A police officer was injured on the hand as residents tried to burn down his home but police stopped them.

The protests were allegedly over a failed request for new municipal boundaries. Residents want to be incorporated into the Mangaung local municipality in Bloemfontein.

They are currently part of the Masilonyana local municipality, which was recently placed under administration. - Sapa

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