153 locals arrested in Soweto for looting
Local businesses are also being attacked, states police.
The South African Police Service held their second media briefing for the day at the Moroka Police Station regarding the recent attacks on foreign nationals over the past few days.
Police maintain that the situation remains calm in Soweto today.
“We are grateful for the communities’ support and for all their information as they have been alerting us on planned looting in their areas.
“It is a great concern that most of the people taking part in the looting are the young people and it’s even worse that some of them are so young we can’t even arrest them.
“We are doing all we can to assist all people affected in this situation,” Lieutenant General Lesetja Mothiba said.
He said since this morning, 32 suspects have been arrested for being in possession of goods or for damage to property while in total, 153 people have been arrested in Soweto.
Two minors however, have been released into the custody of their parents.
Major General Eric Nkuna said that they have also had meetings with the Bangladesh Ambassador to see how they can work together in calming the situation.
Another concerning matter raised was that even local businesses are now being looted.
“We are following all leads we have been getting to try and find who is responsible for the spread of this problem.
“Those that have been arrested today will appear in court on Monday while the other cases have been remanded,” Mothiba said.
General Mothiba said a criminal case has been opened against the Dobsonville police officer who was seen on video looting.
The police will have more reports on the matter later.
