Pretoria - Twelve suspects were arrested by the Tshwane Metro Police for robbing people of their possessions at the Day of Reconciliation celebrations at Derdepoort Park near Esselyn in Pretoria on Wednesday.
The suspects were spotted by the Metro Police during a patrol of the busy park after ensuring that the roads outside were all in good order. They were taken to the Villieria Police Station and charged for possession of a firearm and armed robbery.
On public holidays the city's parks, which also include the Ga-Mothakga Resort in Atteridgeville and Moretele Park in Mamelodi, are packed with thousands of revellers who hold picnics or attend jazz festivals.
Tshwane Community Safety Department spokesperson, Console Tleane said that despite the incident there was a general sense of peace in all the areas around the city.
"Strict law enforcement, strategic road policing and overall good planning by the Tshwane Metro Police assisted in bringing about peace in the city's parks on the Day of Reconciliation," Tleane said.
He commended members of the public for responding well and co-operating with the police at all times.
