MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun has condemned the recent attack on police allegedly by foreign nationals in Johannesburg CBD on 1 August.
This follows after police were conducting an operation on trading of counterfeit goods when violence broke out. Metro police officers were called in to defuse the situation as the situation had become out of order. It is alleged the group attacked police with objects including bricks and petrol bombs.
The MMC has called on all people to respect the law enforcement agencies.
“We welcome foreign nationals, foreign investments in our city but there’s a problem when foreign nationals and also South Africans conduct themselves illegally in the country,” said Sun.
“Our focus here is not about nationality but about the criminality of things. Our message to the people out there is that please respect our laws. They need to understand that in this city we uphold rules of law and law and order. We will not sit back and tolerate this kind of lawlessness in the city.
Sun said four Metro police vehicles were damaged but there were no reports of police officers being injured.
“We are aware that there were two civilians that were part of the operation that were injured badly. We are still yet to confirm with SAPS how many arrests have been made. We will certainly work very closely with the SAPS to ensure that the investigation will not be dropped.”
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has also condemned the incessant undermining of the authority of the state in the Johannesburg CBD.
“Such lawlessness cannot be allowed to go unpunished,” said Mawela.
Unrest in the Johannesburg CBD. Foreigners running amok. pic.twitter.com/i0rWzUt0Yf
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) August 1, 2019
Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, MEC Faith Mazibuko said, “We condemn the attacks on police and members of other law enforcement agencies. We condemn all criminal elements hellbent on undermining the rule of law in this country and making this country ungovernable.”
The MEC said her department would work with all relevant government stakeholders to ensure the law is respected in the city.
“Working together with SAPS, JMPD, Home Affairs, and SARS Customs, we will conduct a joint operation in that area… We will also liaise with the Minister of DIRCO to engage embassies to encourage their citizens to respect the laws of this country.”
Related article:
https://northeasterntribune.co.za/239000/police-clash-foreign-nationals-joburg-cbd/
