Police probe alleged group involved in Tshwane riot planning
“We know who they are, but will not have an investigation in public.”
Investigations are underway to identify the group allegedly behind the major unrest in Tshwane this week.
“We know who they are, but will not have an investigation in public,” said State Security Minister David Mahlobo in a media briefing at the Tshedimosetso House in Pretoria on Tuesday.
He said the Hawks, the prosecuting authority and crime intelligence services were looking at these individuals, believed to have been behind the planning of recent violence in Pretoria.
“We are not in a position to announce or discuss the investigation as this would be defeating the ends of justice,” said Mahlobo.
Hawks spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed investigations were underway, related to the violence and what Minister Mahlobo said at the briefing.
“We cannot discuss any investigation, however we can confirm that the Hawks are assisting police and crime intelligence in defusing the violence around the city,” he said.
Asked if the Hawks were aware of a list of branch leaders and councillors alleged to have been the masterminds behind the recent Tshwane uproar, Mulaudzi said: “If such a list did exist, the Hawks would be looking into it.”
Meanwhile the ANC has distanced itself from speculation published in the media this week, which indicating that riots in Pretoria had been planned by ANC branch leaders for Kgosientso Ramokgopa to remain mayor in the upcoming local government elections.
According to reports, hours after ANC deputy Secretary-General Jessie Duarte named Thoko Didiza as Tshwane’s mayoral candidate on Monday morning, at least 12 people met at Court Classique Hotel in Arcadia to hatch the unrest.
ANC Gauteng spokesperson Nkenke Kekana said the party was unaware of the allegations.
Violent protests and riots gripped Mamelodi, Atteridgeville, Mabopane and Soshanguve this week as protesters refuted Didiza, from KwaZulu-Natal, stating she was an outsider.
Also read:
Tshwane riots allegedly planned
Security cluster to assess violent unrest
Riots could disrupt city services
VIDEO: Residents hide as protesters fire shots in street
Residents want Ramokgopa to remain as mayor
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