Communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng spent yet another sleepless night guarding their homes and families, with the background noise of gunshots and explosions.
On Wednesday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) announced they had arrested a total of 1 234 – 549 in KZN and 683 in GP) on various charges related to looting, murder, attempted murder and riots in these areas.
The number of fatalities, since the unrest started five days ago, now stands at 72.
Several affected communities say they have seen no sign of police or SANDF soldiers, but the SAPS say they have recalled their members from leave and rest days, and added more boots to the ground to police the “rampant elements of criminality perpetuated by the looting of businesses and destruction of property”.
“The SAPS, Defence and SSA as co-chairpersons of the NatJOINTS have condemned the attacks on law enforcement officers which have now resulted in the death of an officer from Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, while seven SAPS members are recovering from injuries sustained while responding to violent protests (KZN 3, GP 4).
“The NatJOINTS has also sent condolences to the family of the deceased EMPD Officer Meshack Mahlangu and wished the injured SAPS members a speedy recovery,” SAPS said in a statement.
In response to reports of armed community members retaliating against protesters, the NatJOINTS has emphasised and reminded the public that although persons are entitled to protect their property and lives, the right to life is protected in the Constitution; and can only be infringed in extremely limited circumstances, in order to, inter alia, protect the life or bodily integrity of the defender.
They commended the collaboration between the police and community through established platforms such as Community Policing Forums and Community in Blue. Police urged the public to report crime on the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
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