Gauteng police tackle crime during days of unrest
Throngs of police were on the ground to control the situation, at times using teargas and rubber bullets to disperse large crowds of mobsters attacking establishments.
Law enforcement in Gauteng, including SAPS and JMPD, were on high alert during days of widespread unrest and public violence across several communities in Joburg East.
The EXPRESS reported on September 2 that looting and alleged attacks on foreign nationals, including shop owners and migrants, had broken out in areas such as Malvern and Jeppestown, among others.
Throngs of police were on the ground to control the situation, at times using teargas and rubber bullets to disperse large crowds of mobsters attacking establishments.
Speaking to Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Col Lungelo Dlamini at the time of publication, the EXPRESS received information that the unrest had decreased dramatically in a host of areas, including Jeppestown and Cleveland.
Dlamini said at least 289 people had been arrested as of September 4.
The suspects were arrested for various crimes, including public violence, malicious damage to property and theft.
“In Jeppe and Cleveland, several shops were looted and many cars burnt, although it cannot be said what the cost of damage is at this stage,” said Dlamini.
Provincial SAPS commissioner Lt-Gen Elias Mawela, on September 2, told the EXPRESS that looters were targeting various businesses. He said it was not limited to foreign-owned shops.
“It is important to educate people around societal issues such as this. What we need to do is to educate our people more, and emphasise that irrespective of how frustrated they can be, it does not help anybody. The little resources or infrastructure available should be used accordingly. We hope to continue with this campaign moving forward,” said Mawela.
The EXPRESS asked Mawela what the police will do to protect foreign nationals who are often the main target of violent outbreaks. In response, Mawela said police visibility will be increased. He also cautioned foreign nationals in South Africa to not engage in public spats.
“They must not engage themselves in public spats with communities, as some people may use this opportunity and exploit it, as if there is tension between the locals and the visitors,” he said.
