Looters cause damage worth millions of rands
Looters have caused millions of rands in damage; not only to Shoprite Usave, but to other shops around Ga-Rankuwa.
Shoprite Usave in Ga-Rankuwa, Zone 6, was one of the worst hit by last week’s riots.
The store now stands empty after the week-long unrest and looting.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mathews Nkoadi said the looters have caused millions of rands in damage; not only to Shoprite Usave, but to other shops around Ga-Rankuwa.
Nkoadi said police officers had dispersed a crowd that had gathered outside the Shoprite USave shop last Wednesday, but the looters returned to the store at night, forcing the door open and cleaning it out.
“Those we managed to arrest for the looting are appearing in Ga-Rankuwa Magistrate’s Court today (Monday), others tomorrow, and others on Wednesday,” said Nkoadi.
On Thursday morning discarded groceries lay piled at the entrance of the shop.
Nkoadi said police went from door to door in the neighbourhood, recovering any stolen goods and piling them up at the shop’s entrance.
The justice, crime prevention and security cluster said in a statement that 54 suspects were arrested.
The arrests were effected in Atteridgeville, Ga-Rankuwa, Hercules, Mabopane, Soshanguve and Mamelodi.
“The suspects have been charged with public violence, theft and possession of stolen property,” said Nkoadi.
He said stability was gradually being restored to the city’s most vulnerable areas, despite reports that store looting was still taking place.
Also read:
Gallery: Several arrested for looting
Scores arrested over violent protests
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