Steve Bhengu ECR
The number of people who have lost their lives since violent protests began last week has climbed to 72.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure said 27 cases were under investigation in Kwazulu Natal, which includes 14 murder cases and 13 inquest dockets.
National spokesperson, Colonel Brenda Muridili, said the number of deaths reported in Gauteng was 45, comprising 19 murder and 26 inquest dockets being investigated by police.
“The greater part of the inquest dockets relate to stampedes that occurred during incidents of looting of shops and malls, while other deaths and injuries were related to ATM explosions and shootings,” she said.
Muridili also said that the number of arrests has risen to 1 234, with 549 in KwaZulu-Natal and 683 in Gauteng.
She added that incidents of looting and destruction of property were also reported in Mpumalanga and Northern Cape.
“These two provinces have had their law enforcement officers patrolling identified areas of threat in an effort to deter possible opportunistic criminality.”
Muridili said with the deployment of Defence Force members and the augmentation of law enforcement officers by recalling SAPS members from leave and rest days, “more boots have been on the ground to police the rampant elements of criminality.”
Meanwhile, she said Soweto police also arrested two "on-duty" Reservist Constables who were found in the possession of suspected looted property.
"It is further alleged that the two suspects were found off-loading suspected stolen property from a state vehicle," Muridili said.
