Police ‘restore calm’ after xenophobic attacks in Grahamstown

97 suspects, including 10 juveniles, following the outbreak of violence.

P o l i c e s p o k e s wo m a n Colonel Sibongile Soci said: “Operation Fiela reclaimed order in the violence-stricken Grahamstown area on Thursday. Four suspects, aged between 28 and 49 years, were arrested on various charges including possession of suspected stolen property and possession of drugs.

“Over 20 fridges and chest freezers were recovered. Other stolen property recovered included household items, fencing and hardware. The recovered property is believed to have been stolen when the community members looted shops in the Joza and Grahamstown areas.”

Soci said the suspects appeared in the Grahamstown Magistrate’s Court, and were remanded in custody.

Grahamstown cluster commander Brigadier Morgan Govender said after the operation: “The objective of this operation was to reclaim order and recover the property which was looted last week.

“We will continue to assist the displaced individuals as well as their families, and provide them with the necessary support.”

He also appealed to anyone with knowledge of any other stolen property to report it to police.

Meanwhile, Operation Fiela was also carried out in the KwaZakhele, KwaDwesi, New Brighton and Motherwell areas in Port Elizabeth.

According to police, the daylong operation by various law enforcement agencies on Thursday saw 17 suspects arrested for various crimes, ranging from house robbery, carjacking and assault to kidnapping. A total of 17 knives, two pangas and two toy guns were confiscated, while 10 undocumented people were also arrested. Traffic fines totalling R3 900 were issued for various violations.

“Operation Fiela continues to address crime and criminal activities in a structured and co-ordinated manner. We are determined to make the communities safer and free from criminals and criminal activities. We are also committed to rid our communities of knives and pangas which are used to attack people and result in murders, and also of the toy guns which are used to intimidate people during robberies,” said Major General Zamuthango Mki, deputy provincial commissioner for operations. – ANA