Police Minister Bheki Cele has vowed that those responsible for instigating the recent unrest that resulted in the deaths of 342 people in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng will be brought to book.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday on updates following the recent unrest, Cele revealed that, so far, 12 suspected instigators have been arrested, with one arrested just this morning.

He warned that the harm of circulating fake news is not small.

Phoenix, in KZN, became the epicentre of criminal and racist incidents that resulted in 36 deaths, as unrest flared in the province a few weeks ago.

A team of 31 provincial and national detectives have been deployed to investigate and make arrests.

Cele said working closely with the communities, the investigations have, so far, led to the arrest of 23 suspects.

Some of these suspects are allegedly connected to several murder cases, while others face charges relating to attempted murder, malicious damage to property and defeating the ends of justice.

PRIVATE SECURITY & SAPS

Cele said detectives are also investigating the role of private security firms in the violence.

Working closely with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority, investigators have seized 152 firearms from four private security companies working in the area.

During police operations in Phoenix 112 illegal firearms were seized.

“The seizure of these firearms is within the ambit of Firearms Controls Act and the firearms have been sent for ballistic analysis,'' Cele stated.

He said the response of the local South African Police Service (SAPS) to these events will also be looked into.
 
“What happened in Phoenix were criminal acts of the worst kind which also took a racial turn. These acts have no place in our society and the perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted,“ he stressed.

Suspects are currently going through the court processes with some appearing in court for the first time this morning.

KZN STABILITY

Meanwhile, KZN Premier Sihle Zikalala said a programme to bring stability to Phoenix and other affected areas is a must.

He said addressing socioeconomic inequality and instability, which are legacies of apartheid, is critical.

“As Provincial Government we are clear that the majority of the people of KwaZulu-Natal are not looters. By the same token, we are clear that the majority of the people of KZN are not criminals. Crimes are committed by a small group of people in our communities, across all races, classes and religions,” he said.

He said in the aftermath of the recent unrest and looting, the KZN provincial government, through the Community Safety and Liaison MEC, supported the implementation of law enforcement by SAPS.

“This was to deal with all the crimes committed during this sad episode in our province. Those who have broken the law whether they were vigilantes or looters, should all face the full might of the law,” said Zikalala.

The Premier mentioned that work to rebuild, unite and recover the province has begun, giving his reassurance to the world and South Africa that it is open again to the international business fraternity and local trade.