Relative calm returns to Pretoria

- The South African government said on Friday it is making notable progress in stabilizing and stamping out acts of criminality in and around Pretoria, also known as Tshwane.

While the situation is generally calm in most parts of Tshwane; Mabopane and Soshanguve remain a hotspot, government spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said.

Pretoria and surrounding areas have been hit by violent protests since Sunday. The protests were sparked by the ruling African National Congress' (ANC's) decision to place former cabinet minister Thoko Didiza as its candidate for Pretoria mayor to replace current mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa in the local government elections, scheduled for August 3.

The protesters are unhappy with Didiza and preferred Ramokgopa as their mayor. But the ANC said it would not change its candidate.

The government has learnt with great sadness that two more people have lost their lives since violence broke out in Pretoria, bringing the total number of deaths thus far to five people, said Dlamini.

"We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives," he said.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths are under investigation by police, said Dlamini.

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, according to Dlamini.

He said the country has democratic processes available to express any form of dissatisfaction by communities or any person.

"We would like to reassure members of the public that the law enforcement agencies will not rest until peace and calm is restored in the city," said Dlamini.

The government, he said, has also noted reports of children taking part in unlawful activities and wishes to appeal to parents that it is their obligation to ensure that their children are protected and kept safe.

The government urges the public to disregard the misinformation that is being circulated through texts or on social media and will continue to keep the nation informed through official channels of any developments, said Dlamini.

source : xinhua