Government pleased with the restoration of peace in Tshwane

27 June 2016

Government has noted that relative peace and calm have returned to all areas of the City of Tshwane. This is attributed to the sterling work of the law enforcement agencies in cooperation with communities. Government applauds the men and women who worked tirelessly during the past week to ensure that normalcy returns to the city.

The law enforcement agencies ensured safety of non-protestors, prevented further looting and recovered looted property, ensured the safety of public and private infrastructure, seized unlicensed firearms, assisted displaced foreign nationals and brought perpetrators to book.

Government would like to thank men and women in the security agencies, all sectors of society, including community members and the private security sector, who partnered with government to ensure a quick quelling of the volatility.

A joint operation involving South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), private security and Home Affairs was able to recover the stolen goods with the full cooperation of communities.

The role played by National, Provincial and Local political leadership was critical to restoring peace and calm to the various communities in and around Tshwane. The support given to law enforcement agencies made it possible for the challenges to be resolved.

Thus far twenty-seven suspects were arrested on different offences during this operation which was held in the Mabopane and Soshanguve areas on Friday. To date 270 suspects have been arrested and businesses are back and running as normal. In this regard, community members are urged to accept foreign nationals who are living and working within them.

Government also calls on members of the public to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting any incidents or providing information. Working together with law enforcement agencies will ensure that all people in the City of Tshwane are and feel safe.

A strong police presence is maintained all around the City of Tshwane as government continues to monitor the situation.

Enquiries:
Siphiwe Dlamini
Cell: 083 645 4294

Issued by GCIS