More than 140 people have been arrested in Mangaung following widespread incidents of looting, public violence and damage to property linked to calls for a “total shutdown” circulated on social media.
According to the South African Police Service, police arrested 142 suspects after unrest erupted in several areas across Mangaung in the Free State. The suspects include 109 men and 33 women.
Police said businesses and tuckshops were targeted in areas including Bloemspruit Phase 6, Maditlhabela, Pieter Swarts, Bochabela and Bergman Square.
The unrest reportedly began on Sunday evening when a crowd stormed a grocery store in Bloemspruit Phase 6. Community members assisted the store manager before Public Order Policing officers intervened.
In another incident, police said a group of about 80 people allegedly pelted police vehicles with stones in Maditlhabela. Officers later dispersed crowds in Moshoeshoe Street and other affected areas during overnight operations.
Authorities also responded to attempted break-ins at tuckshops in Pieter Swarts, while several suspects were allegedly caught inside shops with grocery items believed to have been stolen.
Cases of public violence, business burglary, business robbery, malicious damage to property and possession of suspected stolen goods are under investigation.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Thabang Lesia has since ordered additional police resources to support operations in Mangaung as high-visibility policing continues in affected communities.
Police say all arrested suspects are expected to appear in court, while investigations continue and more arrests could follow.
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