Govt on alert for resurgence as unrest death toll jumps to 276

This comes amid mop-up operations at malls, warehouses and factories.

The previous death toll stood at 215 but has now risen to 276.

The bulk of the fatalities was recorded in KwaZulu-Natal.

Acting minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni revealed the staggering figure in a national update on Wednesday.

“Since the unrests, a total of 234 deaths as a related to the unrests were reported in KZN. To date and of these reported deaths, the SAPS are investigating 151 cases for murder and 83 inquests dockets have been opened and 15 arrests related to the cases of murder. 

“A total of 42 deaths as a related to the unrests were reported in GP. To date and of these reported deaths, the SAPS are investigating 17 cases for murder and 25 inquests dockets have been opened and no arrests have been made as yet related to the cases of murder,” she told media. 

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Ntshavheni added security forces were on high alert for possible resurgence of violence. 

“Stability continues to reign in both provinces of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal and law enforcement agencies are conducting mop-up operations to ensure opportunistic and copycat activities do not find traction. 

“Our law enforcement agencies are also investigating the possible mobilisation of South Africans to attack the foreign truck drivers and a special team of detectives are investigating the threats against foreign truck drivers. 

“It must be clarified that this problem is not emanating from the unrests, but it is related to challenges within the sector,” she said.

Four suspects were remanded in custody this week after they appeared at various courts on charges of inciting violence.

“In addition, to the arrests of persons linked to the public violence and their appearances in various courts, law enforcement agencies continue to arrest persons linked to the incitement of public violence. 

“The four suspects have been remanded in custody in Gauteng for bail application and the National Prosecution Authority will comment further on the details of the prosecution. 

“One person who was arrested was released by the court and the SAPS are undertaking further investigations.”