Pretoria – Cabinet has added its voice in condemning the recent spate of violence in and around the City of Tshwane and called on citizens to refrain from breaking the law.
“No amount of grievance can justify violence and the destruction of property,” said a Cabinet statement on Thursday.
It warned that those found guilty of perpetrating such criminal acts will face the full might of the law.
“South Africa is a constitutional democracy where each citizen has the opportunity to participate in democratic processes. Such criminal behaviour infringes on the rights and free movement of others.
“Cabinet calls on communities to work with law-enforcement agencies to root out those who disrespect others’ constitutional rights,” said Cabinet following its ordinary meeting on Wednesday.
This comes as violent protests erupted in Tshwane on Monday evening. Protesters burned buses, barricaded streets with burning tyres, pelted passing motorists with stones and looted shops.
Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this week warned that violence and lawlessness will not be tolerated.
Speaking after the meeting of the Presidential Labour Working Group at the Union Buildings earlier on Tuesday, he said law enforcement agencies will be after those that are perpetuating violence.
“If there are issues that need to be resolved - that can be done peacefully,” he said.
Chairperson of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said government condemned and continues to condemn in the strongest possible terms the violence and the destruction of property which occurred in Atteridgeville, Hammanskraal and Mamelodi.
She said at a media briefing on Tuesday that government is responding adequately to the situation.
“No public space will be turned into a no-go area. Government reiterates that any form of intimidation or looting by protestors will not be tolerated,” said the Minister.
A total of 54 suspects have been arrested in Atteridgeville, Hercules, Mabopane, Soshanguve and Mamelodi on charges of public violence, theft and possession of stolen property. – SAnews.gov.za
