Over 400 arrested in South Africa for various crimes within a week

JOHANNESBURG, April 26 (Xinhua) -- The South African Police on Thursda said they have arrested more than 400 suspects in the past week related to protests and looting of shops and recovered property.

The police recovered property looted by the suspects. The recovered property includes equipment which was robbed from South African Broadcasting (SABC) television crew valued at 25,000 U.S. dollars. They also recovered groceries, clothes, liquor, cash dispensing machine, casket and vehicles used in the transportation of stolen goods.

"With these arrests, the police would like to send a clear message that criminals will have no safe refuge. They will be tracked down and brought to justice to face the full might of the law. Law abiding citizens are encouraged and requested to isolate criminals who want to perpetuate anarchy and vicious destruction of innocent people's properties," said North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane.

The police said the arrested suspects will appear in courts in various parts of the province facing sedition, contravention of Criminal Matters Amendment Act and possession of suspected stolen goods.

"The police in the North West will continue to execute its constitutional duties without fear or favour and anyone who incites others to break the law and thus subvert the authority of the state will be arrested," Motswenyane said. Enditem