Roundup: Violence continues unabated in Pretoria

Protesters defied a stern government warning against violence overnight in Pretoria, with some resorting to looting overnight, police said on Wednesday.

Some foreign-owned shops were looted, houses burned down and buses torched during the violence which started on Monday, according to police.

Foreign shop owners had to flee to different places of safety.

Roads leading to several violence-stricken townships were barricaded with stones, tree branches and rocks.

The township of Mabopane was the hardest hit by acts of violence, where a heavy contingent of police force was at scene to contain the violence.

A police helicopter could be seen hovering around the township.

The protests was sparked by a decision by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to place Thoko Didiza as its mayoral candidate for Pretoria to replace current mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa in the upcoming elections, scheduled for August 3.

Unhappy with Didiza, protesters have vowed to intensify their protests if the ANC party does not withdraw its decision.

But the party said it would not change its decision.

As violence intensified, the government is considering to send in armed troops to restore stability.

On Tuesday, the government warned that violence, damage to property and infrastructure and infringing on others' rights and free movement including incitement of others to commit this type of offences will not be tolerated by law enforcement agencies.

"Those who make themselves guilty of such acts will face the full might of the law," government spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said in a statement.

"The destruction of property and chaos we have witnessed is highly unacceptable and should not be allowed to continue," said Dlamini.

The government calls for calm and for people to continue with their normal businesses as the government is responding adequately to the situation, said Dlamini.

"We call on people to be vigilant and avoid any violence related activities. We also call on all people not to allow themselves to be misled by a lot of misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms which are intended to cause confusion and unnecessary panic," she said.

The government has increased visible policing of members of the South African Police Service.

The law enforcement agencies are currently hard at work to ensure that calm returns to all areas, Dlamini said.

Criminal matters arising out of these incidents are being prioritised, she said.

The government reiterates that violence is not the answer to grievance.

"Our democracy offers many avenues for people or communities to address any grievances. We therefore call on communities to raise grievances within the confines of the law. Those who ultimately decide to exercise their right to protest are advised to do so in a peaceful and orderly manner," said the spokesperson.

Security personnel, she said, will act decisively against individuals who engage in acts of intimidation and incitement or violence, and the law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to arrest those who are found to have contravened the law. Endit