Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Afrikaans soundbites by Cllr Johann Steenkamp and Sesotho soundbite by Cllr Hismajesty Maqhubu. See attached picture here.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tokologo will urgently escalate the violent unrest following a fatal incident after an alleged burglary at a local shop in Boshof to the Provincial Police Commissioner and the MEC for Community Safety, while demanding an immediate intervention plan to restore law and order, protect residents, and ensure accountability for failures during Monday’s violence.
The station commander reportedly cited severe understaffing, lack of manpower, and insufficient training, stating officers could not intervene without a direct incident. A SAPS spokesperson confirmed that reinforcements from Welkom, Bloemfontein, and Kimberley had been requested but were delayed.
The unrest has exposed a serious breakdown in policing, with SAPS failing to respond effectively while businesses were looted and infrastructure damaged.
Boshof has seen rising crime, with residents frustrated by ineffective policing, drug-related issues among unemployed youth, and a lack of meaningful action despite Community Policing Forum engagements.
The DA will formally write to the Provincial Police Commissioner demanding a full report on SAPS failures, urgent deployment of trained reinforcements, and a clear plan to address crime, drug activity, and unrest, while engaging the Community Policing Forum and stakeholders to support affected residents.
Residents should be deeply concerned that police were unable to protect lives and property during the unrest. Without urgent intervention, communities remain vulnerable to further violence, criminality, and instability.