TMPD on high alert, officers deployed throughout Pretoria

Tshwane law enforcement remain on high alert following some incidents of looting, which gripped the country last week, in the ongoing protests that took place last night.

According to Sipho Stuurman, spokesperson of the mayor’s office, the Tshwane metro “condemned in the strongest possible terms the criminal activities and looting that took place in Mamelodi last night”.

“The looting was sporadic with our law enforcement teams stretched as they tried to prevent criminality and restore law and order.”

Stuurman said reports indicated that Denlyn Shopping Centre and Mamelodi Mall were the main targets for the criminals who looted some of the shops.

“Our Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) joined local police forces in responding to the incidents to prevent major destruction of property and protect residents in the area.”

He said it was encouraging to note that many parts of the city were generally calm with no major incidents, disruptions and criminality reported.

“However,” he said, “our law enforcement teams remain on high alert and have been deployed throughout the city to maintain law and order.”

“We have also been proactive in ensuring we secure critical infrastructure, and we are receiving continuous updates on the security situation across the city as our TMPD teams continue to work closely with police.”

Stuurman said law enforcement teams will continue to maintain high visibility, especially in volatile areas such as Mamelodi.

“The teams will also closely monitor Soshanguve, Ga-Rankuwa, Atteridgeville and several parts in the Pretoria CBD.

“I would also like to acknowledge all the community groups, CPFs and private security agencies that have been working with law enforcement to support them in their duties.”

Stuurman said communities across the city have been working together “to stand up against this criminality”.

He urged residents to be cautious and report incidents of violence to the police.