For suspects linked to torching of police Nyala in Makhaza arrested

Police have arrested four suspects linked to the torching of a police Nyala on Baden Powell Drive, near Empolweni informal settlement in Makhaza.

They were allegedly part of a group of protesters who blocked Baden Powell Drive with burning tyres on Wednesday night.

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They were demanding electricity for people of Empolweni and Ethembeni informal settlements.

Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said the suspects will appear in the Khayelitsha Magistrates Court on Friday on attempted murder, public violence, and malicious damage to property charges

"Allegedly, the crowed was pushed back utilising a police Nyala. When the members were reversing back to Baden Powell, they noticed smoke inside the vehicle, and they jumped out of the vehicle and noticed that it was is on fire."

However, community leader Selby Kolossa said police caused damage to their own vehicle by driving through burning tires.

"We don't know why they stopped on top of burning tires and after that, they arrested children to say that they are the ones who burnt the vehicle. How can we burn this thing with the police inside?”