Acting North West police commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo has warned that those involved in the looting of eight tuck shops in Promosa and several extensions in Ikageng outside Potchefstroom will face the full force of the law.

The warning follows incidents on Monday (June 22) during which businesses were targeted, allegedly by a group of youngsters, resulting in cases of looting and criminal damage to property. A criminal case has since been opened and remains under investigation, reports Potchefstroom Herald.

Naidoo condemned the incidents in the strongest terms and said criminal behaviour would not be tolerated.

“Individuals who exploit incidents to engage in criminal activities such as looting, theft, malicious damage to property and public violence will face the full might of the law,” he said.

He added that community cooperation remains essential in maintaining peace and order.

“Those responsible for these criminal acts will be pursued and brought to justice. We urge communities to work with law enforcement by reporting suspicious and criminal activities,” Naidoo said.

Private security companies also responded to the incidents.

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Deon O’Kelly, operations manager at CB Security, confirmed that the company’s vehicles were dispatched to the area following reports of unrest and looting yesterday (June 23).

Hendri Locke, a senior reaction officer at CB Security, said he attended the scene alongside police officers when members of the community attempted to loot a shop.

Police have appealed to residents to report any information related to the incidents to their nearest police station, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.

Investigations into the incidents are continuing.

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