Govt warns of harsh sentences for looters, orchestrators of violence
Government has warned that all those involved in the planning and execution of the ongoing spate of violence and looting in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal can expect long stints behind bars.
This is according to Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola.
Lamola was addressing the media on Thursday in Soweto, alongside his cabinet colleagues Fikile Mbalula and Mmamoloko Kubayi.
“What we are calling for as government is that high sentences should be meted out against whoever that may be found guilty of looting and criminal activity and anyone who may be an organiser behind the scenes,” Lamola said.
”Those that have been orchestrating it on social media and various platforms must be hunted down and extracted from wherever they are hiding and must be arrested. The law must take its course.”
READ: eThekwini unrest damage runs into billions - Kaunda
At least twelve people behind various social media accounts are believed to have orchestrated the violence and looting, especially in Gauteng.
Police say they are keeping a close eye on them.
News24 reported on Wednesday that former head of the State Security Agency’s Special Operations Unit, Thulani Dlomo, has been identified as one of the twelve people of interest.
Dlomo was also known as former president Jacob Zuma’s “private spy”.
