Nine hurt, houses and cars gutted in Bathurst violence

Nine people were injured and five homes and two cars gutted when violent protests erupted in Bathurst near Port Alfred on Sunday evening.
Police said the injured people were treated in hospital after the spate of arson attacks.
Provincial police spokesman Brigadier Thembinkosi Kinana said it is alleged the incidents started at about 5pm on Sunday when local political party agents took part in a motorcade.
“During the motorcade, groups of community members started throwing stones at vehicles and attacked other members of the community.
“At the same time, reports were received of a house that was set alight. A short while later three more reports were received of homes being burnt in separate locations.
“Reports of vehicles that were also apparently burnt were received,” Kinana said.
“Several cases including arson, malicious damage to property and assault have been opened.”
Kinana said five suspects aged between 20 and 55 were arrested and more arrests were imminent.
The provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga, condemned the attacks.
“We cannot allow people to burn or torch other peoples’ houses or property despite any disagreements or reasons.
“The 72-hour Activation Plan has been implemented to bring to justice those suspected and responsible for such violent acts within this community.”
The suspects will appear in court on Tuesday...

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