Tlokweng residents protest

Residents of Tlokweng near Swartruggens blocked a road passing through the village with stones and burning objects on Monday, says the North West department of Safety.

Spokesman Lesiba Kgwele said residents went into a rampage on Sunday, after the funeral of Thabiso Moloi, whose decomposing body was found in the bush.

"Twenty-five year-old Moloi was purportedly last seen at the Mochacho's tavern on the night of the April 15, before his decomposed body was discovered by villagers in a bush outside the village last week Tuesday [May 17]," he said.

Residents suspected that Moloi was killed for muti, buses transporting people to work were stopped and school children were also not allowed to go to school.

Kgwele said Safety MEC Desbo Mohono has appealed to villagers to exercise restraint, promising that the police would not rest until those responsible for the suspected gruesome murder of Moloi were behind bars.

"The police are observing the situation and will not hesitate to arrest those who wish to take advantage of the situation by bring forth their nefarious agenda," Mohono said in statement.

The road passing through the village is used as an alternative route to the N4 highway connecting Rustenburg and Mahikeng.