By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Police Minister Bheki Cele and his department have arrested three people for allegedly orchestrating violence that swept through KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng last week.
The three suspects are expected to appear in court on Monday.
This follows the arrest of a community leader arrested on the West Rand on Friday Morning, allegedly responsible for the recording and distribution of a voice note which called for public violence in the area.
There was widespread looting and acts of violence in these two provinces, as of Friday, the death toll from the protests stands at 212.
It brings to four the number of people arrested for allegedly being behind the looting, violence and unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Speaking in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, Cele confirmed the alleged instigators were expected to appear in court.
Cele was then asked about the other alleged instigators behind the failed insurrection.
To which he responded: “The names of the three people [we] have. But there are other names that have been given to the security forces.
“Unfortunately, we not going to be able to name those people until they are arrested and come to court. But it seems as soon as tomorrow those, the [three] names, will be put in the public eye,” Cele said.
Cele said police are now better equipped to deal with acts of civil unrest and has called on communities to adhere to the law at all times.
Meanwhile, eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said the City has lost an estimated R1 billion in stolen stock and suffered damages to infrastructure amounting to R15 billion.