Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Fanie Masemola has condemned attacks and acts of looting shops owned by foreign nationals in Gilead, Rebone township last night.
Masemola has also praised the police for their swift apprehension of 24 suspects. On Wednesday evening members of the community resolved in an illegal gathering to chase away foreign nationals some of whom they are blaming for the escalating crime in the area.
Two Pakistanian shops were looted and police responded promptly and arrested 24 suspects (14 females, 10 males and 4 infants). Another suspect believed to be the main instigator was arrested today (Thursday) bringing the number to 25 suspects arrested. They will appear at the Gilead Periodical magistrate court soon on charges of public violence and business robberry.
No injuries were reported and police have heightened visibility to quell any further attempts to destabilise the area. Most of the businesses have closed shops and meetings are currently underway to normalise things at Rebone.
"These are clear acts of opportunistic crimes on vulnerable groups by a minority of hooligans living in our communities. Limpopo is a melting pot of all cultures and it is highly disappointing that these acts take place after the province witnessed peaceful elections recently.
"We will not tolerate any threat or act of violence against any individual or sector of society, no matter what reasons are given to justify such threats or actions. The police are closely monitoring these xenophobic threats by faceless criminals whose desire is to create anarchy. We want to assure society that our police are on the ground to thwart these evil acts,” said Masemola.
Meanwhile, the situation in Rebone is quiet but tense and police continue to monitor all and any threats.
For enquiries please contact:
Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi
Cell: 082 373 2408
