The local police are urging looters to voluntarily hand in stolen goods and would also welcome tip-offs from community members who can assist them in recovering stolen items.
According to police, if looters don’t hand over the stolen goods, they will face criminal prosecution. Those who were not part of the looting spree but are buying stolen property from the looters will also be arrested for being in possession of stolen property.
The looting started on July 12 in Daveyton, Actonville, Crystal Park and Mayfield in Putfontein.
Arrests from July 12 to 15
Actonville SAPS: Four people were arrested and charged for public violence and one was arrested for selling alcohol. Spokesperson Sgt Godin Nyathi said on July 12 during the looting a 22-year-old man was found dead at the hostel with a bullet wound to the upper body.
“Police are investigating to establish the motive and possibly affect an arrest for the perpetrator/s,” said Nyathi.
Crystal Park SAPS: Six were arrested and charged for being in possession of stolen goods and public violence. Another two was arrested for contravening the level four regulations.
Putfontein SAPS: More than 100 were arrested for public violence, business burglary and public violence.
Spokesperson Sgt Raider Ubisi said on July 13, police confiscated a vehicle and a toy gun during the looting at the mall.
“Some of the looters were caught in the act of ransacking stores in the mall and two men in a Ford bakkie were caught loading stolen items into the vehicle,” said Ubisi.
Ubisi said a male body was found in one of the Pakistani shops near the mall.
Daveyton SAPS: More than 10 people were arrested for public violence and being in possession of stolen goods.
A police officer was shot in the leg while attempting to chase the perpetrators away.
Benoni SAPS: There were no arrests.
The Benoni SAPS station commander, Brig Thabo Mphuthi, and the Benoni CPF executive chairperson, Dr Reza Patel, appreciated the CFP, security companies and other stakeholders.
This comes after the law enforcers rose to the call for duty and provided the police members with their support and protected Benoni against lawlessness.
The dedicated teams have successfully worked with the SAPS to act on gathered intelligence and were proactive in preventing some planned disruptions in the area and have worked tirelessly with the SAPS members to contain and control incidents of unrest.
The situation is being monitored by the local police in various areas in the community.
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Members of the community can report criminality to the police, which may be done anonymously by calling the Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app that can be downloaded onto any smartphone.
Bring relief to those affected by unrest
The Northfield Methodist Church youth and young adults need your help to assist those who have been affected by the unrest.
Donations needed include:
• Blankets
• Old clothes or jackets
• Canned and dry foods
• Sanitary items and toiletries
• Baby items, such as formula and nappies
Drop-off bins will be available at the church’s main gate in Aerodrome Drive, Airfield. For more information, contact Shannon on 082 466 3818 or Enoch on 060 360 6832.
The Ruto Institute in Daveyton, with local good Samaritans, will be donating food parcels on July 30 to the workers who have been affected by the recent looting incidents in the area.
To assist them with any donations or to partner with them contact 081 538 7603 or email community@rudoinstitute.org.za
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