An angry chief has been arrested together with eight of his subjects after they destroyed water connections to residents of a Limpopo town.
The chief, who may not be named as he is yet to appear in court, was accused of inciting violence and damaging properties.
He was arrested last Friday afternoon and spent the weekend behind bars.
According to police spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto, the group was accused of damaging property used for supplying water to Alldays, a town outside Musina.
The group allegedly destroyed materials before attacking a satellite office of the Blouberg municipality and attempting to burn it.
"The group was charged with malicious damage to property after they destroyed the water connection to Alldays and damaged the municipal building," said Otto yesterday.
She said investigations were continuing to determine the value of the property destroyed and more arrests were imminent.
A resident, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, said the chief had written a letter instructing his community to destroy the water connection because there were disagreements with the manner in which processes of appointing a contractor was conducted.
"He has no right to destroy the properties as his community will also suffer as a result," said the resident.
Blouberg municipality spokeswoman Nhlanhla Mashele said they were still investigating.
"But we will allow the law to take its course," said Mashele.
Attempts to solicit comment from the family drew a blank as their phones were switched off.
frankm@sowetan.co.za
Chief arrested for cutting water connection
An angry chief has been arrested together with eight of his subjects after they destroyed water connections to residents of a Limpopo town.
The chief, who may not be named as he is yet to appear in court, was accused of inciting violence and damaging properties.
He was arrested last Friday afternoon and spent the weekend behind bars.
According to police spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto, the group was accused of damaging property used for supplying water to Alldays, a town outside Musina.
The group allegedly destroyed materials before attacking a satellite office of the Blouberg municipality and attempting to burn it.
"The group was charged with malicious damage to property after they destroyed the water connection to Alldays and damaged the municipal building," said Otto yesterday.
She said investigations were continuing to determine the value of the property destroyed and more arrests were imminent.
A resident, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, said the chief had written a letter instructing his community to destroy the water connection because there were disagreements with the manner in which processes of appointing a contractor was conducted.
"He has no right to destroy the properties as his community will also suffer as a result," said the resident.
Blouberg municipality spokeswoman Nhlanhla Mashele said they were still investigating.
"But we will allow the law to take its course," said Mashele.
Attempts to solicit comment from the family drew a blank as their phones were switched off.
frankm@sowetan.co.za