No overnight looting reported in Pretoria as soldiers take control
By Wednesday afternoon, a number of soldiers were seen patrolling various malls around Pretoria.
No overnight looting was reported in Pretoria on Thursday morning, as soldiers took control and local residents fought back to protect malls and shops from being looted.
Earlier this week, Mamelodi Mall and Denlyn shopping centre were looted and set alight by a mob.
The community and the police later joined hands to curb the situation, which saw over 100 people arrested in the area.
On Wednesday afternoon, a number of soldiers were seen patrolling various malls around Pretoria.
This comes after defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula announced that 25 000 additional soldiers would be deployed in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to restore calm.
Mamelodi East CPF chairperson Eddie Mnguni said that the community was relieved to see soldiers on the ground on Wednesday evening.
“Last night was quiet and hopefully it’s going to stay that way now that the army has been deployed to help with the situation,” he said.
In the east of Pretoria, Menlyn Park shopping centre was heavily guarded this week like many other malls in the city.
“Please be advised that we will continue to work closely with law enforcement,” the mall said in a Facebook post.
“We remain on alert and as a result please note that the centre will close at 17:00 for the rest of the week ending Sunday, July 18.
“The situation will, however, continue to be monitored and reviewed daily.”
In Laudium, community groups have been formed to help police with daily patrols in the area.
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