The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has issued a stern warning following the alleged looting of eight tuck shops in Promosa and other extensions in Ikageng on Monday, June 22.

According to police, a group of youngsters allegedly targeted the businesses during the incident, leading to cases of looting and criminal damage. A criminal case has since been opened and is under investigation.

Naidoo condemned the incidents in the strongest terms and said criminality 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.

Marko Strydom, operations manager at CB Security, confirmed that the company’s vehicles were dispatched to the scene to assist on Tuesday, June 23.

“Our vehicles were dispatched to the area following reports of unrest and looting,” O’Kelly confirmed.

Hendri Locke, a senior reaction officer at CB Security, said he personally attended the scene alongside police officers.

“I was on the scene together with the police where members of the community attempted to loot a shop,” said Locke.

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 looting are continuing.

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