Police confirm looting and destruction in Northern Cape and Mpumalanga

Photo: SAPS

Police confirm looting and destruction in Northern Cape and Mpumalanga

Reports of looting and destruction in two more provinces, the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga, was confirmed by police on Tuesday evening.

Police confirm looting and destruction in Northern Cape and Mpumalanga

Photo: SAPS

Police on Tuesday evening confirmed reports of looting and destruction in two more provinces, the Northern Cape and Mpumalanga.

POLICE HAVE ARRESTED TWO PEOPLE THESE PROVINCES

Colonel Brenda Muridili, the spokesperson for NatJOINTS, said there had been a report from Mpumalanga of an incident of looting and destruction of property in the Matsulu policing precinct.

She said one person was arrested.

There has also been a report of two incidents in the Northern Cape, Galeshewe. One person was arrested.

“The two latest provinces to be affected, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape, have had their law enforcement officers patrolling identified areas of threat in an effort to deter possible opportunistic criminality.”

Meanwhile, the death toll in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng has risen to 72.

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A total of 1 234 people have been arrested amid the violent protests, looting, and public violence that gripped the provinces since former President Jacob Zuma was imprisoned last week.

Muridili, the spokesperson of NatJOINTS, said of the 72 deaths, police are investigating 27 cases in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Police are investigating 14 murder cases and 13 inquests.

She said police in Gauteng are investigating 19 murders and 26 inquests.

“The greater part of the inquest dockets relate to stampedes that occurred during incidents of looting of shops and malls, while other deaths and injuries were related to ATM explosions and shooting.”

She added police officers on leave, and rest days have been recalled.

“With the recent deployment of the Defence Force members and the augmentation of law enforcement officers by recalling SAPS members from leave and rest days, more boots have been on the ground to police the rampant elements of criminality perpetrated by the looting of businesses and destruction of property.”

She furthermore said that the Provincial Commissioners have also activated the police social crime prevention strategy.

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“They have been engaging with various stakeholders, including community-based organisations, traditional leaders, and the business community, to amplify current operational plans to best tackle the looting and destruction of property currently prevalent in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.”

Muridili reminded the public that although persons are entitled to protect their property and lives, the right to life is protected in the Constitution; and can only be infringed in minimal circumstances to, among other things, preserve the life or bodily integrity of the defender.

“The NatJOINTS has commended the collaboration between the police and community through established platforms such as Community Policing Forums and Community in Blue. The public is urged to continue reporting crime on the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.”