Pretoria- Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Fanie Masemola has condemned the attacks on foreign nationals and looting of foreign-owned shops in Gilead, Rebone last night.
On Wednesday evening, members of the Gilead community gathered illegally and chased away foreign nationals, some of whom they blame for an escalation of crime in the area.
Lieutenant General Masemola said police responded promptly and arrested 25 suspects.
They will appear at the Gilead Periodical Magistrate Court soon on charges of public violence and business robbery.
“These are clear acts of opportunistic crimes on vulnerable groups by a minority of hooligans living in our communities,” Masemola said.
He added that police in the area 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.
He said the police were closely monitoring threats by those who wanted to create anarchy.
“We want to assure society that our police are on the ground to thwart these evil acts,” said Masemola.
According to police, a meeting is currently underway to normalise the situation in Rebone. Police will continue to monitor the area which is quiet, but tense.
No injuries were reported in last night’s attacks.–SAnews.gov.za
