Locals take action in Marapong

Unrest broke out last Thursday between members of the Lephalale Local Taxi Association (LTA) and the newly-formed metered taxi group, Maxi Taxi. Shocked residents watched in horror as seven metered taxi’s, a house and two shops, were burnt down.
According to reports, a member of the Lephalale LTA was assaulted by men believed to be from the Maxi Taxi group. The man’s taxi was also said to be damaged. It is understood that the Lephalale LTA members retaliated by apparently attacking a Maxi Taxi driver and burning his vehicle.
The Lephalale police arrested three people of each organisation for assault, malicious damage to property as well as arson.
By Thursday afternoon about 40 members of the Lephalale LTA gathered in Herman Street in front of the police station and demanded the release of their arrested members.  They were dispersed.
The arrested individuals appeared in the Lephalale Magistrate’s court on Monday  and was released on bail. All suspects will appear in court again on 30 October.