Phoenix unrest killings have risen to 36, Cele confirms
Police Minister Bheki Cele says the number of people killed in Phoenix during the unrest has risen to 36.
He says police are also investigating 52 cases of attempted murder, 16 of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and nine for common assault.
Cele says 31 dedicated investigators have been assigned to the cases.
He was speaking at a briefing on Tuesday.
"They have hit the ground running. Working closely with the communities, their investigations have led to the arrest of 22 suspects so far.
"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.
READ: Phoenix lobby group 'taken aback' by leader's arrest for inciting violence, racial hatred
"All suspects are currently going through the court processes with some appearing in court for the first time this morning."
Cele says they're also probing whether any private security companies played a role in the killings.
Police have confiscated over 100 firearms for ballistic testing.
The minister says they believes some of the companies have been involved in dodgy dealings.
He says not only were some found to have been operating illegally, but were contributing to criminal acts in Phoenix.
Listen below:
