BLOEMFONTEIN – The DA in Mangaung has condemned the National Service Delivery Forum (NSDF) Mangaung Shutdown held on 25 May, which resulted in violence, property damage, and 142 arrests.

The police in the Free State confirmed that 142 individuals were arrested for offences which include public violence, business robbery, possession of stolen property, and malicious property damage.

DA Councillor Rudi Maartens said on Wednesday the protest, advertised as a demonstration for improved service delivery, led to road blockades, business closures, and disrupted municipal operations across the metro. Commuters were stranded and residents reported feeling unsafe.

Reports indicated that youths from Bergman Square allegedly attacked residents in Grasslands 1, threw stones and damaged homes during the shutdown.

There is also footage of residents throwing stones at Interstate buses.

Also read: Police arrested 142 suspected looters during Mangaung shutdown.

Maartens says the DA questioned the purpose of the protest. “It is unclear whether organisers were addressing service delivery failures, campaigning against undocumented foreigners or seeking media attention ahead of local elections.”

He says Mangaung residents face ongoing challenges with refuse removal, sewerage failures, water interruptions, and poor road conditions. The metro has struggled with service delivery and high unemployment.

The DA called on law enforcement to prosecute offenders and urged the Mangaung Metro to restore normal operations, assess service delivery delays, and provide public updates on recovery plans.

The party stated that residents should channel frustrations through lawful democratic processes rather than violent protest action.