Gauteng protests: SABC crew robbed of its equipment in Alexandra

The SABC news crew has been robbed of their equipment while covering the ongoing protests in Alexandra that have spread over to other parts of Gauteng. Circumstances are not yet clear and what specific equipment was lost.

Protests have also been reported in areas including Malvern, Jeppestown, Denver, Wynberg and the Johannesburg  CBD where some businesses have been looted. These protests are believed to be led by Jacob Zuma’s supporters who are unhappy about his incarceration and are demanding for his release.

WATCH: GAUTENG SPREAD OVER TO GAUTENG

SUSPECTS NABBED IN ONGOING GAUTENG PROTESTS

NATJOINTS spokesperson, Brenda Muridili said Gauteng Police working closely with the JMPD last night responded swiftly to sporadic incidents of looting of businesses and barricading of roads in Jeppe and Alexandra, and arrested 25 suspects.

“In the Jeppe policing precinct, police dispersed a group of about 300 people who had barricaded the M2 freeway. It is alleged that one group then headed to the Jeppestown where they looted a number of businesses. Seven suspects were arrested, four of whom were found inside one of the stores, while three were arrested for public violence and for being in possession of suspected stolen property.

“In Alexandra, police arrested 18 suspects – 16 of them for public violence also linked to the shooting of a police officer who was rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention. Two other police officers sustained minor injuries. The other two suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and malicious damage to property. This came as police responded to information of a group of people from Alexandra who targeted and forced entry into businesses, and started looting.

“This group of about 800 people is reported to have attacked police resulting in the shooting of police officers who have now received medical attention, with only one in hospital in a stable condition. Police also dispersed a group in Bramley, near Alexandra.”

Muridili said in the meantime, an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a 40-year old man who was certified dead at a local clinic.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as soon as it is received.