Cops and looters clash in Mamelodi

UPDATE: Hundreds more arrested in Mamelodi unrest

The Tshwane metro police department (TMPD) and SAPS officers were once again on high alert in the vicinity of Mams Mall on Wednesday morning, after looting and clashes between them and looters continued late into Tuesday evening.

TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba confirmed that looting was recorded at the mall. A briefing was also expected to be held by police minister Bheki Cele on Wednesday morning.

This comes after the SA National Taxi Association (Santaco) in Tshwane announced they had directed all taxi associations in the region to go out in full force to protect shopping malls in the city against the ongoing looting.

Their decision was made in anticipation of looting and violence possibly spreading from other parts of Gauteng to Tshwane. “We strongly warn those with intentions to loot to desist from any attempts as they will find the industry waiting,” chairman Abner Tsebe said.

On Tuesday afternoon, Gauteng premier David Makhura said more than 400 people had been arrested thus far since looting started earlier in the week. “We are calling for calm and peace. Criminality will not be tolerated.

“The gains we have made in revitalising our economy are being reversed by the looting, destruction and shutting down of businesses. The impact on the township economy is severe and dreams are being destroyed,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Tshwane mayor Randall Williams said at least 100 people were arrested for public violence, theft and possession of stolen goods in the area.

The arrests came after sporadic incidents of criminality and looting in the Mamelodi township when local shopping centres were targeted.

“We will not tolerate criminality in the capital city and our law-enforcement teams will move swiftly to arrest and prosecute those who attempt to instigate chaos,” Williams said.