Alleged xenophobic violence broke out in Jeppestown on 26 February, resulting in a number of foreign-owned shops being looted and a police bakkie being set alight.
According to Jeppe police spokesperson Captain Richard Munyai, an arrest has been made and a police investigation is being conducted. “One suspect has been arrested for malicious damage to property and is expected to appear in court soon,” he said.
A police vehicle that was set alight during the violence.
Four cases of business break-ins and theft have been reported. “Four businesses including a creche were broken into. Some of the stolen items included an undisclosed number of sewing machines, computers, a microwave and a kettle, while three fridges and two laptops have also been reported as stolen.”
Police were able to recover three computers which were still in their packaging.
Read: Plans to curb xenophobic attacks in Joburg
MMC for Public Safety, councillor Michael Sun has added his voice to the sporadic violence that began in Pretoria last week, labeling it as ‘acts of thuggery’. “Xenophobia and racism have no place in our society and it, along with the looting, intimidation, and violence that are associated with these outbreaks, must be condemned in the strongest regard.
“As a caring and pro-poor government, we advocate for a tolerant and inclusive society and it must be understood that the assault, looting, and damage to property associated with these alleged xenophobic crimes is nothing but acts of thuggery.”
The councilor has called on the public to come forward and assist, in conjunction with law enforcement authorities, in bringing perpetrators to book. “We encourage residents and community organisations to furnish us with information on any planned violence and we will do our utmost best to contain the situation and ensure the safety of our residents and their businesses in the city. We are quite certain that our [police] colleagues are doing their utmost to ensure that justice prevails.”
Munyai has indicated that police were being vigilant and were continuing in their efforts to curb the wave of apparent xenophobia attacks across parts of the inner city.
“It’s quiet at the moment as police are out in numbers. There is a strong police presence in the area [Jeppestown] as other stations such as Hillbrow and Cleveland have deployed officers [as reinforcement],” he said.
No injuries or loss of life has been reported at this stage.
City Buzz will provide further updates as more information is made available.
