Cabinet strongly condemns violence in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal

Cabinet has strongly condemned the recent sporadic violence that erupted in some parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

On Friday, the executive said all peace-loving people should condemn unlawful and unruly behavior in the strongest possible terms.

"South Africa is a constitutional democracy that is governed by laws...

"South Africa welcomes everyone who enters legally and abides by its laws. No grievance can justify violent attacks on other people, looting of shops, destruction of property and blocking of roads, which are all illegal and criminal offenses punishable by law," Cabinet said after its fortnightly meeting.

Cabinet said it is encouraged by the speed with which the South African Police Service (SAPS) has acted in arresting people linked to looting, public violence, and destruction of property in Gauteng and those arrested in relation to the burning of trucks in KwaZulu-Natal.

Cabinet said the government is looking into allegations that foreign nationals get preference for work as truck drivers as opposed to South Africans in the freight and logistics industry.

"Government is currently conducting roadblocks with a particular focus on trucks. If drivers are found to be undocumented foreign nationals, they are immediately sent back to their country of origin," Cabinet said.

(With Inputs from South African Government Press Release)