The South African Police Service (SAPS), supported by other law enforcement agencies, are tackling lawlessness, intolerance and disregard for the rule of law. They are working around the clock to restore peace and stability. The SAPS has moved quickly to address the situation and have made several arrests around Gauteng.
 
At least 423 people have been arrested for violence and looting across the Province, here in Ekurhuleni district a total of 89 arrests were made for public violence and two unlicensed firearms were also recovered. Those who have been arrested will face the full might of the law; our criminal justice system is ready to deal with perpetrators of violence, looting and lawlessness.
We continue to do everything within our power to ensure the safety of all who reside within our borders, citizens and foreign nationals irrespective of their status.  There can be no justification for criminality and any grievances must be addressed within the confines of the law.   The laws of our country will be enforced and we will not hesitate to act against criminal activity, the destruction of property and those found to incite violence.
 
We are working around the clock to ensure orderly and humane management of migration.  We do regular checks on businesses to see if they comply with labour regulations in the country.  Businesses found guilty of contravening the laws of the country are fined accordingly.
 
 
We appeal to all businesses to follow the law.  Everyone has a duty to follow the rules and not employ people illegally, or try and avoid tax or not pay the national minimum wage. Department of Labour Inspectors will continue to do routine checks to ensure that businesses are compliant.
 
I would like to reiterate that our relations with other nations on the continent remain strong.  South Africa is an integral part of the African continent and continues to advocate for a peaceful, vibrant and sustainable Africa.
As Africans, we all have a shared commitment to foster peace and greater continental unity.   We should never forget or take lightly that our fellow Africans have contributed to developing our economy and that of the region.  They stood by us during the darkest days of the apartheid regime. Similarly, South Africans are helping to develop economies across the continent.  We have historically shared resources within the SADC region, and will continue to do so.
 
The region’s economies are interlinked and we will continue to work together for increased trade and investment that benefits everyone.  African development depends on the increased movement of people, goods and services between different countries for all of us to benefit.
 
The recent attacks on foreign nationals and looting of shops is not in keeping with our Constitutional democracy and the rule of law, that clearly states that South Africa belongs to all who live in it.  South Africa is a multicultural society that promotes interaction among people of different backgrounds.  Our acclaimed Constitution protects the rights of all people living in the country, South Africans and foreign nationals alike.
 
We call on communities to be vigilant and to avoid being manipulated by provocateurs who seek to exploit people’s fears and concerns.  No amount of economic hardship and discontent can ever justify the criminal activity associated with these attacks. Let us treat each other with respect and care.
We are calling on people to take responsibility for what they post and re-post on social media.  Let us be careful not to spread fake news or unrelated incidents of violence.  Irresponsible social media posts only serve to further inflame tensions.  Posting fictitious or fabricated photos or videos is both illegal and immoral.  We therefore reiterate our call on people residing in South Africa to be mindful about what they post and share on social media. We appeal for restraint on threats and counter-threats on social media.
 
Let us ensure that all people in South Africa live in peace and harmony.  We call on all community organisations to stand up against criminal activities.  We encourage business, labour and civil society organisations to use every opportunity to educate South Africans about the need to co-exist with foreign nationals.
 
South Africans and foreign nationals residing in the country are afforded the same protection under the Constitution.  We all have a responsibility to ensure peaceful co-existence in communities.
 
Sadly, seven people lost their lives around the province as a result of the violence and looting of shops. We call on organisations and individuals who have information regarding threats of violence to report it to the police.
 
Thank you.
 
-Ends-  
Issued by Gauteng Provincial Government
 
For media enquiries contact Vuyo Mhaga, Spokesperson for the Premier on 076 636 5193 or on Vuyo.Mhaga@gauteng.gov.za
 
For media releases, speeches and news visit www.gauteng.gov.za     
    
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