Xenophobia: Looting continues in South Africa, police arrest 497

The South African police said on Friday that they have arrested 497 suspects

who have been looting shops in Gauteng Province.

The police said they are on high alert monitoring the situation, adding that some

people started looting shops since Sunday and have continued to date.

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Mathapelo Peters, said 74 persons were arrested in

Katlehong on Thursday, bringing the total number of arrests since violence erupted

in Johannesburg to 497.

She said the situation in Katlehong and other areas in the Province remains calm as

the number of incidents continue to decline.

Peters said while 11 people were killed during this period, only seven deaths have been

directly linked to the incidents of violence and the police will continue to investigate the

circumstances surrounding each death.

Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lt.-Gen. Elias Mawela called on the people to respect the law.

He warned the people to stop spreading fake news on the social media.

“We must work together to make sure that no one gets to undermine the authority of

the State and together, condemn the violence and criminality towards ensuring the safety

of everyone in the Province.”