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Polokwane – “Let the schools burn. Let them burn. Watch and see
what will happen tonight.” This was a stern warning from a Vuwani resident who
pre-empted the burning of yet another school on Saturday morning.
Despite the increased police presence police confirmed on Saturday that another school was set alight in Vuwani.
Police spokesperson colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a school which had been previously vandalised by protesters was torched on Saturday morning, putting the number of schools set alight at 20.
"The total number of affected schools is 24. There are 20 burnt school and four damaged school," he said.
Ledwaba said police have arrested 23 suspects involved in the torching.
Government officials and traditional leaders have been battling to quell continued violence in the area. Vuwani residents are protesting against the creation of a new municipality which will include Malamulele residents.
The residents say they want to remain in the Makhado municipality.
On Friday, Venda King Toni Ramabulane, said he supported his subjects in the cause.
He said a political solution was needed to curb the destruction of schools. Ramabulane assured the media that he would bring an end to the violence saying he was confident his subjects would listen to him.
Ledwaba said police multidisciplinary teams were on the ground and more arrests were expected.
