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Eleven people accused of burning down schools in Vuwani, Limpopo, appeared in the Malamulele Magistrates’ Court today.
Magistrate Godwin Ntsane postponed the case to May 16 for a formal bail application. The 11 remain in custody.
They were among 21 people arrested this weekend in connection with a series of arson attacks in the Vuwani-Levubu area.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said another six were expected to appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrates’ Court.
The remaining four were minors and had been handed to a probation officer for investigation and assessment.
Ledwaba said more arrests were expected. The protests escalated when residents lost a court battle to have the area remain under Makhado, instead of being merged into a new municipality with Malamulele.
During the protests, 24 schools were vandalised and 20 burnt down.
Last week children walked to school in casual wear fearing that their schools would be identified and torched by disgruntled residents.
The government sent a team of ministers to meet traditional leaders in the area.
Venda king, Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, said he supported the protest, but not the arson, and said that he wanted President Jacob Zuma to intervene. – News24
