KING WILLIAMS TOWN \u2013 The\nEastern Cape SAPS Management has strongly condemned the looting incidents\nreported in the Port Elizabeth Northern Areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A total of 9 arrests\nhave been effected in separate incidents since yesterday morning, 14 April\n2020, in connection with the lootings that took place in the Bethesldorp area.\nThe suspects will all face charges relating to business robbery or\nhousebreaking and theft. Additional charge of violating the Regulations of the\nDisaster Management Act \u2013 not been confined to their residence will also be\nadded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The suspects aged\nbetween 23 and 50 years old are expected to appear in the Port Elizabeth\nMagistrates\u2019 Court soon relating to their respective charges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Due to the high\nvisibility of law enforcement in the area, no further lootings took place last\nnight or today, 15 April 2020. Police will maintain high visibility in these\nareas to curb further incidents of lootings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Public Order Policing\n(POP), Anti-Gang Unit (AGU), private security company, SAPS Bethelsdorp, SAPS\nGelvandale and Metro Police were immediately on these scenes. Many of the\nlooting incidents took place simultaneously and the reaction of the police and\nother law enforcements was swift. Due to the volatility of the situation, POP\nfired tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Eastern Cape\nProvincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Liziwe Ntshinga condemned the\nlooting incidents and said, \u201cThese acts are purely criminal and are condemned\nin the strongest possible terms. Community members are warned to refrain from\nengaging in criminal acts as we will not hesitate to arrest and detain anyone\nfound in contravention of the law. Law Enforcement continue to patrol the area\nuntil the situation has returned to normal and will also continue to enforce\nthe Disaster Management Act Regulations\u201d\n\n\n\nSource:\nSouth African Police Service\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"