After looting and violence in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal left six people dead and over 200 arrested, President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation.
Over the past few days and nights, there have been acts of public violence of a kind rarely seen in the history of our democracy.Law-abiding citizens have been threatened and intimidated.At this hour, there are several families in our country that are in mourning.WATCH: We are deploying all resources to restore peace - RamaphosaI speak of the families of Nkosikhona Chiza, Ndumiso Shezi, Khaya Mkhize, Zethembe Ndwandwe, Lindani Bhengu and Lindokuhle Gumede in Gauteng.
For the past two days, Gauteng has experienced the blocking of roads, looting, damage to property and burning of trucks. However, what we are witnessing now are opportunistic acts of criminality, with groups of people instigating chaos merely as a cover for looting and theft. The victims of the violence that is unfolding now – the workers, the truck drivers, the business owners, the parents and families of those who have lost their lives – have done nothing wrong.
It is therefore a matter of vital importance that we restore calm and stability to all parts of the country without delay.It is vital that we protect property and safeguard social and economic infrastructure.As the Commander-in-Chief of the South African Defence Force, I have today authorised the deployment of Defence Force personnel in support of the operations of the South African Police Service.
In addition to greater visibility and an intelligence-driven presence in potential hotspots, we will be prioritising the prosecution of suspects alleged to be involved in this violence. We will restore calm and order so that we can get on with the task of rebuilding this country and creating a better life for its people.
We came together – as religious leaders, traditional leaders, trade unions, businesses, community organisations, political parties, NGOs and others – to bring peace to our nation. As part of our ongoing engagement with key sectors of society, I will be meeting with leaders of political parties to discuss the current situation.
I wish to thank all operational members and commanders of the SAPS and other agencies for their response to acts of violence and provocation, which has helped to avert bloodshed and limit the loss of lives.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ramaphosa: We cannot allow this to happen. We have to actPresident Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on government’s response to riots and looting in parts of South Africa.
Read more »
WATCH | 'This is not us': Ramaphosa addresses SA about nationwide violent riots & the deployment of soldiersPresident Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the nation on Monday after violent protests.
Read more »
Ramaphosa to address the nation at 8pmPresident Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 8pm on Sunday night, the presidency has confirmed.
Read more »
Ramaphosa to address the nation at 8pmPresident Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation at 8pm on Sunday night, the presidency has confirmed.
Read more »