Police vow to arrest leaders of Tshiawelo arson attacks

SOWETO police have promised to arrest ringleaders behind the torching of two houses belonging to a ward councillor and a former councillor in Tshiawelo last week.

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Kay Makhubela said the net was closing in on the suspects involved in the recent protests. He said they had names of the people they were looking for.

"We have people who have given us information about the suspects' identities. We are going to arrest them soon," Makhubela said.

"So far we have arrested some of the ringleaders. We are also looking for other people whom we think were influential in those crimes."

On Friday 23 suspects appeared in the Protea magistrate's court on charges of attempted murder, arson, malicious damage to property and public violence.

The suspects, among them four women, are accused of being part of a mob that burned houses and cars belonging to councillor Joe Nemaungani and former councillor Miriam Ramafola.

Nemaungani and Ramafola's families have since been taken to a place of safety.

Residents of Extension 1 and 3 were protesting against the installation of prepaid electricity boxes in their houses. They claimed they were paying higher electricity bills compared with other areas in Soweto.

Magistrate Robert Button advised the suspects to get lawyers to defend them because they faced serious charges.

"You are going to be in custody until your next appearance. There are legal processes that need to be followed and there are no short cuts.

"You all need to have lawyers that will represent and help you apply for bail," the magistrate said.

A weeping Miyelani Chauke told the court she was wrongfully arrested.

"I don't deserve to be arrested. I did not do anything wrong. I was not even part of those protesters and I feel that I am wrongfully implicated," Chauke said.

Last week Police Minister Nathi Mthethwa appealed to communities to refrain from engaging in violent protests. He said although people had the right to protest, the police would apply the law when faced with violent demonstrations.

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane praised the police for arresting the suspects.

The suspects were remanded in custody and are expected to appear again in court on July 15.