The SAPS has urged residents of White City and members of Operation Dudula to not take the law into their own hands.
This comes after a standoff between residents and members of Operation Dudula who embarked on a campaign to shut down foreign owned shops in White City on August 14.
The incident was fuelled by the shooting of 21 year old Lusanda Ngcongo, allegedly by a Somali national.
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“The community including Dudula were asked not to take the law into their own hands by not chasing the Somalians away because it would lead to looting and they have promised to work with the police,” said Johannesburg District SAPS Spokesperson, Constable Vusi Thokwan.
“There is high visibility of law enforcement officers including Public Order Police to monitor the situation in the area.”
Constable Thokwan went on to assure the public that the situation is currently under control.
Members of Operation Dudula have also agreed to not interfere with the work of the police with regard to the shooting case while residents have also simmered down.
Community leader, Vusi Nkosi said they are waiting for a meeting to be convened between residents and Operation Dudula at the Moroka Police Station.
“Since the arrival of the police yesterday, nothing bad has happened but we are waiting for a meeting between us and Operation Dudula at the police station where we will have the police as our mediators,” said Nkosi.
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Moroka SAPS said they are currently investigating a case of attempted murder following a shooting that took place in one of the Somali shops at White City.
Also, according to the police, the victim sustained a bullet wound on his left leg and was rushed to Bara Hospital.
“The owner of the shop promised that he will assist the police in tracing the suspect because he is on the run and the team under Colonel Ngobeni with four members was established to speed up the investigation process,” concluded Constable Thokwan.
