​Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has called on the community to join hands with law enforcement agencies to stop the looting and destruction of property in the province.
Gauteng government took to the streets on Tuesday to assess the extent of damage caused to property and to end the destructive and violent nature of the ongoing protest actions in some parts of the province.
"We must make sure that this looting stops," Makhura said during his visit to the Meadowlands Police Station in Soweto, where a nearby mall- Ndofaya Mall - was looted.
Premier Makhura accompanied by the MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, law enforcement agencies and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), in collaboration with private security companies, community leaders, organised business and political parties said they are working hard to ensure that lives are not lost and livelihoods are not disrupted.
The day long visits started in shopping centres in Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni and Meadowlands in Soweto to assess the severity of the damage caused by the lawlessness and violent protests.
Makhura said the violent protests have negatively affected business in these townships. He said the ongoing lawlessness continue to disrupt essential services, including healthcare services and wreak havoc to livelihoods.
"The gains we have made in revitalising our economy are being reversed by the looting, destruction and shutting down of businesses. The impact of these looting on the township economy is severe and dreams are being destroyed.
"We are calling for calm and peace. Criminality will not be tolerated," he said.
Gauteng law enforcement agencies, working with the SANDF are determined to restore peace and stability in Gauteng communities.
Makhura also urged law enforcement agencies to conduct regular patrols on the highways and other public infrastructure, as well as retail centres to prevent any further looting.
Makhura said looting has also happened in schools, where technology equipment has been stolen.
To date, over 400 arrests have been made.
A total of 10 people have died during the looting incidences and a total of 279 people were arrested for looting in Gauteng.
Among those who died is a Gauteng Metro Police officer, who was shot by looters in Kathorus. The officer was shot while responding to a call of looting at a mall.
The Premier also sent his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives.