Pretoria - Relative calm is returning to the City of Tshwane as government makes progress in stabilising and stamping out acts of criminality in and around the city.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 150 suspects in connection with various crimes such as public violence, burglary, theft, possession of unlicensed firearms and the possession of suspected stolen property.
A number of suspects who appeared in court on Thursday were denied bail.
More court cases are to be heard on Friday with the state set to continue to oppose bail and request that the suspects be remanded in custody.
Government said while the situation is generally calm in most parts of Tshwane, Mabopane and Soshanguve remain as hotspots.
Spokesperson of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS), Siphiwe Dlamini, said government has learnt with sadness that two more people have lost their lives since violence broke out in Tshwane, bringing the total number of deaths thus far to five people.
“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives. The circumstances surrounding their deaths are under investigation by police.
“Government wishes to re-emphasize that one life lost is one life too many and no one should lose their lives as a result of any unhappiness,” said Dlamini.
Government emphasised that the country has democratic processes available to express any form of dissatisfaction by communities or any person while also urging the public to disregard the misinformation that is being circulated through texts or on social media.
Government will continue to keep the nation informed through official channels of any developments.
“We would like to reassure members of the public that the law enforcement agencies will not rest until peace and calm is restored in the city.
“We also congratulate those law abiding members of the community who are playing their part in the efforts to restore calm and order in the city, especially in preventing the destruction of public property and infrastructure.”
In addition, government has noted reports of children taking part in unlawful activities.
“We wish to appeal to parents that it is their obligation to ensure that their children are protected and kept safe,” said Dlamini. – SAnews.gov.za
