‘497 arrested’ as looting of shops continues in South Africa

The South African police on Friday announced that they had arrested 497 suspects who have been looting shops in Gauteng province.

The police said they were on high alert monitoring the situation, adding that some people started looting shops since Sunday and have continued till date.

Mathapelo Peters, police spokesperson, said 74 persons were arrested in Katlehong on Thursday, bringing the total number of arrests since violence erupted in Johannesburg to 497.

She said the situation in Katlehong and other areas in the province remains calm as the number of incidents continue to decline.

Peters said while 11 people were killed during this period, only seven deaths have been directly linked to the incidents of violence and the police will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding each death.

Elias Mawela, Gauteng provincial commissioner, called on the people to respect the law.

He warned the people to stop spreading fake news on the social media.

“We must work together to make sure that no one gets to undermine the authority of the State and together, condemn the violence and criminality towards ensuring the safety of everyone in the Province,” he said.

South Africa has come under fire over the latest xenophobic attack on its soil.