Gauteng Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, has noted with concern, notices on social media where members of the community in Diepsloot are mobilised to embark on a “shut-down… to boycott those who are mostly involved in committing crime in particular foreigners within the area.”
This call is then attributed to the murder of Detective Captain Oupa Matjie who was fatally shot while in pursuit of suspects last Friday, 17 January 2020 in Diepsloot.
To this end, Public Order Police have since the early hours of 23 January 2020, been on high alert monitoring the situation and dispersing groups who had barricaded some main routes in the area, including the William Nicol and the R551 roads.
At around 0:h00 a group came to the police station demanding to see the suspect behind Captain Matjie’s murder. The suspect is expected to appear on 23 January 2020, before the Randburg Magistrate Court.
Lieutenant General Mawela has condemned this call for a shutdown as it borders on inciting violence which can be construed as a criminal offence on the part of the organiser(s).
The Provincial Commissioner has called for calm and restraint, and is calling for members of the public to allow the law to take its course.
“The arrest of the suspect who allegedly shot and killed Captain Matjie, came through after collaboration between the community and the police. It is therefore important that the suspect’s appearance before Court be secured and that it should not be jeopardised in any manner, so that the suspect faces the full might of the law,” said Lieutenant General Mawela, urging the community to be mindful of the law and due processes.
Public Order Police will remain in the area to maintain order.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
