Gauteng police warns SA, foreigners over tensions
Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Deliwe de Lange, has issued a statement in which she warns against all forms of criminality, amid tensions between South Africans and foreign nationals in the Tshwane area.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters says they will act harshly against anyone found to have been involved in criminal acts such as inciting violence, business robberies, looting, arson, public violence, possession of or dealing in drugs, and prostitution.
"Police have already arrested a number of suspects for crimes ranging from business robbery to possession of illegal firearms in Soshanguve, Mabopane, Garankuwa and Rietgat. Police will continue to monitor the area closely and no effort will be spared in ensuring that the criminals are brought to book," says Peters.
Peters says communities are urged to follow lawful channels to express their concerns.
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"Communities are also encouraged to make use of the Provincial Commissioner's recently launched hotline number, 082 820 6467, to report on police corruption and complacency. Where members of the public know of or observe a police member or police vehicle used in soliciting and taking bribes, they may inform the Gauteng Police Commissioner by calling the 082 number," says Peters.
Peters says police have arrested dozens of suspects after Rosettenville residents came forward and used the hotline.
"Information received has led to the successful arrest of 42 suspects - 27 undocumented foreign nationals, one for possession of an unlicensed firearm, and 14 for possession of or dealing with drugs," says Peters.