Faizel Patel – 12/07/2021
Unrests and protests continued throughout Monday night in Gauteng with sporadic groups as police tried to stop the looting.
Law enforcement supported by private security responded to continuous criminal activity in an around the Johannesburg CBD, Alexandra and Tembisa with reports of violence in Lenasia, Lenasia South, Eldorado Park and Benoni.
In Lenasia South a security guard and Muezzin of the Imam Ahmed Raza masjid was shot by protestors trying to enter the place of worship after looting Shoprite, Cashbuild and restaurants in the area.
Vision Tacticals Yaseen Theba says the situation in the province remains tense.
“A number of roads remain blocked by the burning tyres and debris. The situation throughout many areas of the province is still very tense and unstable and police are not able to respond to all the events. Members on the ground mentioned that they require additional resources and manpower.”
On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation after more than three days of disruptions saying the theft and violence is criminal and not political.
Scores of shops have been looted, trucks have been burnt and pillaged.
Six deaths have been linked to the violence and in KwaZulu-Natal alone and losses are estimated at one hundred million rand and climbing.
Ramaphosa also officially announced he’s deploying the army to assist police in keeping the peace.
This is the fourth time since democracy that government has called in the army to support police in doing their jobs.
Ramaphosa also promised to continue to reinforce deployments to the worst affected areas and warned those who are involved in the violence will be dealt with quickly.
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