WHILE police have confirmed that the vehicle torched by residents in Lethabong belongs to a fibre company, some community members say they remain unconvinced by the explanation.
Residents claim the occupants of the vehicle had not introduced themselves to community leadership or informed the community about any fibre-related work in the area.
They further allege that the vehicle was not clearly branded or identifiable as belonging to a fibre company.Community members also allege that a child was struck by the vehicle before it attempted to leave the area, an incident that heightened tensions among residents and contributed to the confrontation.
Police spokesperson Colonel Adele Myburgh has maintained that the unmarked vehicle belongs to a fibre company. However, residents are calling for further clarification regarding the identity of the occupants, the nature of their work in the area, and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
At this stage, the allegations made by community members on kidnappings have not been independently verified, and police investigations are ongoing.
Meanwhile, six criminal cases have been registered including Public Violence, Attack on Police, Assault GBH, Kidnapping, Malicious Damage to Property and Robbery with other weapon other than firearm.
According to Myburgh, the Lethabong community allegedly attacked three fiber company employees aged 31 and 32. Two victims sustained serious injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
During the attack, the victims’ company vehicle a Suzuki Swift was set alight and burned to ashes in front of Lethabong Police Station. The three employees were also robbed of their belongings.
Police have arrested 11 suspects in connection with the incident.
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