Media Statement
Issued by the Ministry of Police
09 September 2019
POLICE MINISTER GENERAL BHEKI CELE ALLAYS THE CONCERNS OF THE COUNTRY’S BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN THE WAKE OF MASS VIOLENCE AND DESTRUCTION IN GAUTENG
Minister of Police General Bheki Cele on Monday 09 September 2019 met with executives of South African multinational companies concerned about the acts of violence in the country.
The meeting was part of a Stakeholder Summit hosted in Johannesburg by the SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Minister Cele and the SAPS management team held a closed meeting with representatives from various companies including communication giants, MTN and Vodacom, as well as Mutlichoice and Absa to name a few.
The Chamber of commerce told the SAPS delegation that the looting and burning of trucks and businesses is hampering on efforts by business to boost inter-continental trade in the continent.
General Cele’s response to the concerns by organised business was to outline the responses by law enforcement and how intelligence is assisting in many instances to prevent more attacks.
He also gave assurances that there is a detailed plan that is being put in place by the SAPS to bring back stability.
12 people have been killed in Gauteng since the start of the violence on the 1st of September.
The Minister assured the business representatives about how Crime Intelligence is making inroads in quelling violence in the Road Freight and sector in parts of Kwa-Zulu Natal as well as unrest in the Gauteng province.
172 people have been arrested for crimes relating to the destruction of property and burning of trucks.
Over 600 people have been arrested for arson, looting and orchestrating lawlessness in parts of Johannesburg and in Ekurhuleni.
With the facts before them, the business community agreed that the violence is not only just attacks on foreign nationals but clear acts of criminality.
They have called for a partnership with other government departments to assist in dealing with some of the underlying socio-economic issues that can pave a way for a more permanent solution to the violence.
-Ends –
Media Enquiries:
Lirandzu Themba
Police Ministry Spokesperson
082 604 9080
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