Looters called to voluntarily surrender stolen goods
By Monday, a total of 3 407 suspects had been arrested on various charges since the violence erupted over a week ago
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS), co-chaired by the SANDF, SAPS and the SSA, has called on looters to voluntarily surrender stolen property or face possible arrests.
By Monday, a total of 3 407 suspects had been arrested on various charges since the violence erupted over a week ago, with only one suspect granted bail.
Around 1 122 suspects are expected to appear in different courts in the two most affected provinces, and the remaining dockets are under investigation.
During integrated operations at a number of hostels in mostly Tembisa, Johannesburg, Alexandra and Moroka over the weekend, 14 suspects were arrested for being in possession of suspected looted property.
Among the goods recovered were mattresses, television sets, couches, fridges, sound systems, computer screens and laptops, steel frames, groceries, and clothing items.
Meanwhile, in KZN, 92 suspects have been arrested over the weekend for being in possession of stolen property.
The NatJOINTS has at the same time also reiterated the call for people to refrain from inciting violence by creating and circulating inflammatory messages that seek to do nothing but elevate the levels of tension, confusion and fear in communities.
These messages instill fear in our communities and undermine the authority of the State.
The JOINTS, through its Intelligence Co-ordinating Community (ICC), is also aware of more messages cropping up and circulating on various social media platforms, threatening to attack police stations and disarm law enforcement officers; attack courts of law and key infrastructure such as fuel pipelines and refineries; and more looting.
The JOINTS has subsequently mobilised maximum resources to address these threats and heighten visibility.
Measures have also been put in place to ensure stability, and the protection and safety of those who are not involved in the unrest and wish to go on with their daily routine.
Members of the public should continue to report criminality to the police, which may be done anonymously, by calling the crime stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app that can be downloaded onto any smartphone.
