Thirty-two people have been arrested after the mayor of Ditsobotla in North West was taken hostage on Wednesday. Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, provincial police spokesman, said mayor Daniel Buthelezi was released unharmed at about 1am on Thursday after he was taken hostage by community members late Wednesday afternoon. Mokgwabone said the 32 suspects were arrested a few streets away from the municipality, after they demanded transport as part of the negotiations. Even though the municipal buildings were set alight on Wednesday, most of the building remained intact, Mokgwabone said. The suspects have been charged with kidnapping, arson and attempted murder. Mokgwabone said they would soon appear in the magistrate's court. Jacqueline Theologo, DA whip in the North West legislature, said in a statement on Wednesday that the municipal buildings had been torched, and that the mayor had been taken hostage by about 40 community members. The seat of the Ditsobotla municipality is in the small tow...
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