By Kaya 959 Reporter
Bheki Cele says those who took the law into their own hands in Gqeberha on Wednesday will be arrested.
The Police Minister visited the area on Thursday following an outbreak of violence at Durban Road in Korsten.
The incident stems from a crash between a taxi and a car belonging to a Somalian businessman.
At least 12 vehicles, including eight minibus taxis, were set alight and destroyed in the aftermath of the crash.
“While you negotiate with each other, the police won’t negotiate crime, they have a constitutional mandate to uphold which is to safeguard citizens and their property.
“This is why police are exploring all avenues to find and bring to account those who burnt down a taxi, a vending stall or a shop,” Cele says.
High calibration weapons
Cele further expressed concern at people seen carrying high calibration weapons during the violence.
“We have gun laws in this country and we abide by them. The law is clear that you cannot carry and brandish a firearm in public – we are not at war- if you do so, you are breaking the law.”
Cele says the police will “continue to seek the licences of these weapons”. They will also be sent for ballistic testing to see if they have been used in the commission of any crime, he says.
SAPS has deployed more officers to the area.
The Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment, and Labour has condemned the violence.
Chairperson Mandla Rayi called for peace.
“The reported violence should not occur. Our people should not be divided by these acts of violence. The leaders of the Somali community in that area and the management of minibus taxi operators should urgently meet and seek a resolution on this matter.”
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