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‘One life lost is one life too many‚’ government says as calm returns to Tshwane

June 21, 2016. A delivery truck and a bus were set alight by angry residents of Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria. Residents brought the township to a standstill following the announcement that Parliament House Chairperson Thoko Didiza will be the mayor of Tshwane should the ANC retain the municipality later this year. Police later arrived to clean the streets while looting continued. PHOTO:PETER MOGAKI
June 21, 2016. A delivery truck and a bus were set alight by angry residents of Atteridgeville, west of Pretoria. Residents brought the township to a standstill following the announcement that Parliament House Chairperson Thoko Didiza will be the mayor of Tshwane should the ANC retain the municipality later this year. Police later arrived to clean the streets while looting continued. PHOTO:PETER MOGAKI

Government said that calm was returning to the city of Tshwane and progress was being made to stamp out acts of criminality‚ although five people had lost their lives by Friday.

Police have arrested 150 suspects in connection with various crimes such as public violence‚ burglary‚ theft‚ possession of unlicensed firearms and the possession of suspected stolen property.

Several suspects who appeared in court have been denied bail.

Also read: EFF blames Tshwane deaths on ‘shameful ANC black-on-black terror attacks’

While the situation was generally calm in most parts of Tshwane — Mabopane and Soshanguve remain hotspots.

“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives” said Justice‚ Crime Prevention and Security Cluster spokesman Siphiwe Dlamini.

“The circumstances surrounding their deaths are under investigation by police. Government wishes to re-emphasise that one life lost is one life too many and no one should lose their lives as a result of any unhappiness.

“The country has democratic processes available to express any form of dissatisfaction by communities or any person.”

Government urged the public to be wary of misleading information circulated on social media.

“We have also noted reports of children taking part in unlawful activities and wish to appeal to parents that it is their obligation to ensure that their children are protected and kept safe‚” said Dlamini.

 

– TMG Digital

 

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