Western Cape SAPS management has reinforced deployments at several townships on the Cape Flats after several incidents of burglaries, looting of grocery stores and public violence on Tuesday afternoon 14 April 2020.
A group of about 16 suspects stormed a supermarket in Gatesville at about 14:40 on Tuesday afternoon threatened cashiers and took five cash registers with cash and groceries. Athlone police responded promptly and four suspects aged between 21 and 24 were arrested and some stolen items recovered.
Meanwhile in Manenberg large crowds took to the streets and broke into two wholesalers in the township helping themselves to grocery items. Tracing operations by police to track the suspects and retrieve stolen items are currently underway.
Public Order police in Mitchells Plain have been dealing with sporadic protests in Tafelsig today that started mid-morning. Large crowds took to the streets in protest against food parcels distributed to some communities within the broader Mitchells Plain townships. Tyres were burnt, roads barricaded and police pelted with stones. Three suspects aged 16, 18 and 20 were arrested for public violence.
All arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Western Cape SAPS management is cautioning communities against criminal conduct. The police will not hesitate to take decisive action against those breaking the law. Forces will remain at identified locations until calm is restored.
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