LIMPOPO – Saps has arrested five suspects in connection with incidents of public violence, malicious damage to property, incitement to commit crime and business looting that occurred on Monday night, June 29, in Ga-Mampuru and Tukakgomo under the Burgersfort policing areas in the Sekhukhune District.

Police responded swiftly after reports were received of a looting incident at a foreign-owned shop in Ga-Mampuru.

While members were en route, additional reports of looting at other foreign-owned businesses in Ga-Mampuru and Tukakgomo were received, prompting the deployment of all available operational resources.

Warning shots fired as crowd turns volatile

Upon arrival at the first scene, police found a large crowd gathered outside the shop. An individual was observed allegedly inciting members of the public to loot the business and openly provoking the crowd while insulting police officers.

As the situation became increasingly volatile and police faced an imminent threat from the crowd, Saps used minimum force by firing warning shots to disperse the aggressive group and prevent further escalation. The alleged instigator was immediately arrested.

Four more arrests made

To safeguard lives and allow for the deployment of additional resources, members strategically repositioned while the Public Order Policing unit was mobilised to assist.

Through coordinated operations conducted throughout the affected areas, police arrested four additional suspects for various offences linked to the looting incidents, bringing the total number of arrests to five.

Eight shops looted

Preliminary investigations indicate that eight shops were looted in and around Ga-Mampuru and Tukakgomo. The full extent of the losses and the value of stolen property will be determined once business owners complete their assessments.

Police vehicles damaged, no officers injured

Three Saps vehicles sustained damage during the unrest after being attacked by rioters. Fortunately, no police officers were injured.

Police investigations are continuing, and more arrests are expected as efforts to identify all those involved gain momentum.