By: Kaya 959 News
Police in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have recovered suspected looted goods valued at hundreds of thousands of rands.
In Gauteng, at least 14 people were arrested for being in possession of suspected looted property. Amongst the goods recovered were mattresses, televisions, couches, fridges, sound systems; computer screens, laptops, steel frames, groceries, and clothing items.
SAPS national spokesperson, Maj/Gen Mathapelo Peters, said police around the country have been inundated with tip-offs about looted items.
“Meanwhile in KwaZulu-Natal, 92 suspects have been arrested over the weekend for being in possession of stolen property,” she said.
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Peters further warned people about spreading false news via social media.
“The NatJOINTS has at the same time also reiterated the call for people to refrain from inciting violence by creating and circulating inflammatory messages that seek to do nothing but elevate the levels of tension, confusion and fear amongst communities,” she said.
Peters said these messages instil fear in communities and undermine the authority of the state.
To this end, police in the West Rand District in Gauteng arrested three suspects for creating and sharing fake news.
“Police nabbed the first suspect on Thursday in Roodepoort and the second suspect on Friday in Westonaria, both on allegations of creating and circulating inflammatory messages with the potential of inciting violence. They are expected to appear today ((MON)) before the Randfontein and Westonaria Courts respectively,” she said.
A third suspect, a 21-year old woman, was arrested in Duduza in Ekurhuleni District on Saturday on similar allegations. She is expected to appear before the Nigel Magistrate Court on Tuesday.
NatJOINTS, through its Intelligence Coordinating Community (ICC), is also aware of more messages cropping up and circulating on various social media platforms, threatening to attack police stations and disarm law enforcement officers; attack courts of law and key infrastructure such as fuel pipelines and refineries; and more looting.
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NatJOINTS has subsequently mobilised maximum resources to address these threats and heighten visibility.
Measures have also been put in place to ensure stability and the protection and safety of those who are not involved in the unrest and wish to go on with their daily routine.
Members of the public should continue to report criminality to the police, which may be done anonymously by calling the crime stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app that can be downloaded onto any smartphone.
