As violent mayhem grips parts of SA, police keep eye out for potential flare-ups in Pretoria
Over the past week, several protest actions took place in KwaZulu-Natal leading to a number of trucks burnt.
Police teams are keeping a close eye on local malls and shopping centres following violent mayhem that broke out in parts of the country at the weekend.
Over the past week, several protest actions took place in KwaZulu-Natal leading to a number of trucks burnt.
The protest expanded to Johannesburg on Sunday where shops were reportedly looted.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said that soldiers would be deployed in Gauteng and KZN to assist law enforcement agencies.
“The deployment will commence as soon as all deployment processes are in place. The duration and number of deployed soldiers will be determined based on the assessment of the situation on the ground by the relevant law enforcement agencies.”
In the north of Pretoria
On Monday morning, Soshanguve police spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleke said all malls in the north were closed until further notice.
“So far no protests have been reported except those who blocked the R101 road this morning. We have teams deployed in different areas to anticipate any protest,” he said.
Wonderpark shopping centre confirmed closure for safety precaution. “
Police are patrolling all the shopping centres and malls in the area,” said Constable Lindiwe Mdluli, of the Pretoria North police.
She said no incidents were reported by Monday midday.
Pretoria CBD
In Pretoria CBD, no protest action was reported by 13:00 Bloed mall manager McDonald Mphuthi confirmed the centre was closed after getting reports of protest action to affect the mall.
He said he received reports that protesters were said to be at Marabastad and planned to make their way to the CBD.
Centurion
On Monday afternoon, reports emerged that some shops in Olievenhoutbosch were being looted but police were unable to comment at the time of going to print.
President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned the violent protests during his national address on Sunday evening.
ALSO READ: Pretoria protest action not related to ‘Free Zuma’ shutdown
“Key infrastructure like national roads have been affected, slowing down the transportation of goods and services that keep our economy running. Property has been destroyed. Cars have been stoned. People have been intimidated and threatened, and some have even been hurt,” Ramaphosa said.
He said that the acts were endangering lives and damaging efforts to rebuild the economy.
East of Pretoria Police said no protest action were reported by 13:00.
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