North West Premier, Professor Job Mokgoro, has called for calm while also condemning acts of violence that broke out in Klerksdorp recently.
“The Premier condemns in the strongest possible terms acts of murder, public violence and other alleged criminal activities that engulfed Klerksdorp on Sunday and Monday, reported to be as a result of clashes between foreign nationals and local taxi drivers,” said the Office of the Premier.
According to the police, incidents of public violence were sparked by the killing of a local taxi driver, whose body was found with two stab wounds by the police who were patrolling the area on Sunday.
It is alleged that some local taxi drivers grouped themselves to avenge the killing of their colleague, who they believe was killed by foreign nationals.
A 28-year-old Zimbabwean national was allegedly stabbed with a knife on his chest while at his tuck shop. He was taken to hospital but certified dead on arrival.
In addition, a group of people suspected to be taxi drivers was seen setting alight hawkers’ stalls at the local taxi rank. However, public order police managed to normalise the situation.
Two separate cases of murder were opened for investigation, while 12 people were arrested in connection with the clashes.
They face charges of public violence and possession of suspected stolen goods.
The 12 appeared briefly in the Klerksdorp Magistrate Court and were granted bail of R500 each.
They are due to appear in court again today.
“Premier Mokgoro has commended the police for their swift action in arresting the suspects and has urged residents of Klerksdorp not to take the law into their hands but to cooperate with the police and the justice system to ensure that the perpetrators face the full might of the law,” said the Premier’s Office.