Gauteng Premier strongly condemns lawlessness in parts of Joburg
JOBURG – The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) also condemned the attacks on journalists who were covering the unrest in Gauteng. TV camera crews were robbed in Alex on July 11.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has strongly condemned the “acts of violence and lawlessness” in parts of the province over the past two days.
This is according to a statement issued by the Gauteng Provincial Government this evening, July 11. It follows incidents of shops being looted on the periphery of Wynberg and Kew, among other areas in Joburg, on July 10 and 11. It’s believed these incidents are linked to the unrest following former president Jacob Zuma’s incarceration.
Also read: Police officer shot while responding to shop looting in Wynberg
According to the statement, Gauteng law enforcement agencies have reassured Makhura they are in control of the situation and would continue to do everything they could to prevent any form of lawlessness and disruption of services in the province.
Makhura commended Gauteng police for responding swiftly and called for calm among the people of Gauteng. “As a province and the country, we are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic and all of us are required to protect ourselves and avoid gatherings. I urge the people of Gauteng to observe lockdown regulations and only leave their homes when it is absolutely necessary,” said Makhura.
Further to this, the South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) also issued a statement this evening, July 11, strongly condemning the attacks on journalists who were covering the unrest in Gauteng.
“Television crews of the SABC were robbed in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, while a camera and vehicle belonging to Newzroom Afrika [were] badly damaged in Hillbrow, near the city’s CBD. The two attacks leave a bitter taste in the mouths of journalists and editors, who assigned teams to cover the violent protests across Gauteng this morning,” read the statement.
“It’s utterly disgusting that a threatening protester would tell a reporter ‘he will die today’, as was said to a News24 journalist. Yet again, we will always call on the organisers of such protests to call for calm, and to respect and accord the media space to do its work. Journalists must be allowed to report and encouraged to report all news incidents, without being intimidated or threatened, while remaining vigilant.”
It seems the unrest continues in Hillbrow tonight, July 11, with many videos and photographs published on social media.
More to follow as more information is received.
