Cele deploys detectives to probe killings in Phoenix
Police Minister Bheki Cele has deployed a group of detectives to investigate the killing of at least 20 people in Phoenix, north of Durban.
At least 20 people were killed during the wave of public violence and looting that erupted in the area last week.
Cele, who visited the area for a second time in three days on Saturday, promised residents of KwaBambhayi township the killers will be arrested.
An additional 80 police officers have also been deployed to work with soldiers to restore safety and stability amid racial tensions in the area.
"A team of 10 detectives has been assembled to investigate the deaths of 20 people, killed in Phoenix northwest of Durban, during the failed insurrection that saw mass looting and violence in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal,” says police ministry spokesperson Lirandzu Themba.
"The interaction with community members laid bare claims of racial tensions, vigilante acts, the role of some private security companies as well as policing shortcomings being some of the elements fuelling the instability in the area."
Communities in Phoenix have been urged to form groups to work with the police.
"Minister Cele urged residents of Phoenix and neighbouring settlements of Bhambayi, Umaoti, and Zwelisha, to form a community grouping that works with the South African Police Service at district level, to rebuild the broken community relations and bring about peace and social cohesion,” says Themba.
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