By Obakeng Maje

The North West police would like to warn the community about the tendency of looting from shops under the pretext of service delivery protest and marches.

“The looting mostly targets shops owned by foreign nationals. While the South African constitution allows marches, protests and picketing, that must always be done within the framework of the law” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said. 

Police said those who are participating in those activities are expected to conduct themselves in a professional, acceptable and responsible manner that will not infringe on the rights of others.  

“It is apparent that these people participate in these activities for the purpose of breaking and stealing from those businesses. There is no doubt that these are clear criminal activities and police will not hesitate to deal with those who are found to be responsible for that” he said. Mokgwabone said criminal cases will be registered and people who are found to be looting from the shops will face the full might of the law. 

Police said this unacceptable behaviour and incidents take place despite intervention of responsible officials, including addressing of protest participants. 

The community is advised to follow the correct procedure to raise their concerns when not satisfied with any matter pertaining to service delivery protests.

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