SAPS applaud residents for taking a stand against looters
“Other shopping centres in Daveyton, Tsakane and Katlehong were targeted but due to increased police presence, the attempts to break into these centres were prevented, ”Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Lt Col Lungelo Dlamini said.
Unrest, violence and the looting of shops in Ekurhuleni saw 189 suspects arrested in two days, Bedfordview Edenvale News reports.
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Lt Col Lungelo Dlamini said suspects arrested in Ekurhuleni were apprehended for possession of stolen goods and unlicensed firearms, murder, attempted murder and public violence.
The unrest in the region came after it started in Johannesburg on September 1 when shops were looted in Malvern, Denver, Jeppestown and the inner city.
September 2 saw a strong police presence as officers monitored the situation in affected areas.
In Malvern, several shops were burnt, looted or damaged and burnt-out vehicles lay idle on Jules Street where debris littered pavements.
Gauteng Police Commissioner Lt Gen Elias Mawela said shops were targeted, irrespective of shop owners’ nationality.
Communications officers from Bedfordview and Edenvale police stations said there was no looting or unrest in either of the stations’ precincts.
Also, there was an incident of parents panicking after the circulation of false information about the kidnapping of children.
“The information was geared to incite violence and instil fear among the Gauteng communities,” said Dlamini.
He said the abuse of social media and spreading of false information sought to undermine the authority of the state.
“We are happy that law-abiding residents are becoming frustrated about these criminals who are targeting businesses,” said Mawela.
“They have joined the police to restore law and order.”
Read original story on bedfordviewedenvalenews.co.za
