Police arrest looters and the violent during strike

Staff Writer | Friday May 20, 2011 00:00

The incidents were reported in Gaborone, Gantsi, Hukuntsi, Mahalapye, Mochudi, Mogoditshane, Molepolole, Moshupa, Ramotswa, Selibe Phikwe and Thamaga. About 152 students, 13 striking workers and 12 members of the public have been taken in for questioning over these cases.

In Mochudi, Mogoditshane, Molepolole, Moshupa, Ramotswa and Thamaga the police arrested 141 students for looting shops and other business enterprises, causing damage to school premises, vehicles and business premises as well as blocking roads by placing stones and debris. In Ramotswa 11 students were arrested for theft involving food at Kagiso Senior Secondary School kitchen. Meanwhile, in Tshane and Gantsi 12 workers are likely to appear before court soon after they were arrested for behaving in a disorderly manner by blocking roads with stones and debris.

While some people suffered minor injuries in these incidents, no deaths or serious injuries have been recorded. In a press release, Christopher Mbulawa said the public needs to know that whoever engages in unlawful or criminal acts under the guise of the ongoing strike will be subjected to the full force of the law.