Makhura says SANDF could be roped-in to quell riots in Gauteng

Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, says that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel could be called-in to reinforce police services battling to maintain law and order in the province.

Makhura’s announcement comes in the wake of violent social unrest – exemplified by rioting and looting in downtown Johannesburg and Pretoria – which has rattled residents and sparked fears of a xenophobic uprising. The riotous action, which began in Tshwane last week, spread south to Joburg and surrounds on Sunday evening, leaving in its wake a trail of unmitigated destruction.

Unrest persists in multiple areas across Gauteng

While Police Minister Bheki Cele has denied the presence of inflamed xenophobic tensions, politicians and civil societies have noted that foreigners, and their stores, have been targeted by local residents. Cele says that while vigilantism has been used as an excuse to commit crimes, the South African Police Service (SAPS) would not show any sympathy to looters participating in the mayhem.

At least 91 people have been arrested over the past 48-hours. Still, the situation remains volatile in Hillbrow, Rossettenville, Malvern, Jeppestown, Tembisa and Germiston. On Tuesday morning, police in Tshwane were placed on high alert, as crowds began to descended on the inner-city streets.

Makhura says the army is on standby to lend a hand

Cele, Makhura and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) Chief, David Tembe, have vowed to intensify law enforcement’s presence in an attempt to quell any further dissidence. Makhura, however, has gone one step further, and mentioned the possibility of calling in the troops, saying:

“I will not hesitate to ask for reinforcement from the SANDF should the Police need such support. Several meetings will be held with various stakeholders in order to calm down the situation across Gauteng.”

Makhura added that the law would act harshly against any member of the public found to be in contravention of the law, by rioting or looting, regardless of their nationality. The Gauteng premier confirmed that foreign nationals had also been arrested for acts of criminality. Makhura provided further details:

“I condemn in the strongest of terms, all acts of criminality and lawlessness that brought some areas of our province to a standstill due to the looting of shops and torching of buildings as well as the closure of some roads.

Any act of criminality shall be dealt with decisively & swiftly, regardless of nationality. No SA or foreign national will be allowed to break the law or take the law into his/her own hands.”