Owners of Joburg shops that have not been looted, are currently clearing all stock and goods from their business premises as a precaution.
Also read: 5 things we know about the violent Joburg protests
This follows incidents of violence and looting in Malvern, Jeppestown and other Joburg areas since yesterday.
Watch: Shop owners remove goods from stores as precaution
A Jules Street shop owner, Christopher Moodley, told the EXPRESS he received a phone call in the early hours of Monday morning informing him that his shop was on fire.
Watch: Shop owner speaks about damage to business
Lieutenant General Elias Mawela was interviewed by the EXPRESS earlier today and reported that about 30 arrests had been made for looting and possession of stolen property.
“These people were targeting all the shops, irrespective of who the owners are. We will continue to patrol and monitor the hot spots,” said Mawela.
LISTEN: Mawela gives overview of protests in Joburg and confirms Cele is visiting area
Police Minister Bheki Cele who was also in the area described the situation in the Johannesburg CBD as a “national emergency”.
Cele said more officers will be deployed to deal with the unrest.
“The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), SAPS and Emergency Management Services (EMS) continue to clamp down on the rioting and looting. Public Order Policing Units from both JMPD and SAPS were deployed and JMPD specialised units were called in to deal with the rioters and looters,” said Joburg executive mayor Clr Herman Mashaba.
Mashaba confirmed one JMPD officer was shot in the leg. The officer officer received medical treatment at Milpark Hospital and has since been discharged.
WATCH: Community members talk to Minister of Police
WATCH: Bheki Cele in Johannesburg
Audio report: EXPRESS journalist describes the situation in Malvern
Watch: Rubber Bullets Fired on Jules Street Malvern
Previously reported:
Chaos erupts overnight as protesters descend on Joburg streets
Joburg mayor condemns violent looting in parts of the city
Lt-Gen Mawela gives overview of protests in Joburg East
“They said my shop is on fire” – Jules Street shop owner speaks (Video)
Video Report: Malvern and Jeppestown protestors leave a trail of distruction (multimedia)
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