Frank Maponya

Frank Maponya

Tensions are rising in volatile Lephalale, Limpopo, after the arrest of 12 people including a youth leader in Marapong for public violence yesterday.

Residents were protesting against the alleged lack of service delivery in the area. The arrested protesters were charged with malicious damage to property and for violating certain provisions of the Gatherings Act.

They are expected to appear in court today.

According to police spokesman Superintendent Mohale Ramatseba, the villagers took to the streets yesterday in protest against the non-delivery of services. They barricaded roads with burning tyres, which disrupted traffic in the area.

He said a 25-year-old man was shot in the buttocks during the protest, but it was not known who had fired the shot. He added that the police were investigating.

"The protesters were making it impossible for motorists to use the road. We are monitoring the situation to ensure that it does not get out of hand," said Ramatseba.

Rosina Mogotlane, the mayor of Lephalale municipality, said she was surprised by the protest.