Johannesburg - An uneasy calm has returned to the tense Tshwane townships after protesters went on a destructive three-day rampage, leaving at least five people dead.
During a joint security operation by police, metro police and Home Affairs officials, as many as 200 suspects were nabbed in connection with crimes ranging from public violence, burglary, theft, and possession of unlicensed firearms to possession of suspected stolen property.
A number of suspects who appeared in court on Thursday and Friday were denied bail.
More of those arrested are expected to appear in court tomorrow, with the State continuing to oppose bail and requesting that suspects be remanded.
In stark contrast to the upheaval this week between ANC factions in Tshwane, supporters belted out songs of praise when ANC mayoral candidate Thoko Didiza visited the Bloed Street Mall and taxi rank on Friday to meet people on the street.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura and other ANC top brass, including mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa and the party's deputy chairman in Tshwane, Mapiti Matsena, joined Didiza on her walkabout.
Sources have alleged the violence that erupted across the townships was linked to fighting between the two Tshwane leaders over the mayoral post.
Makhura said: “The ANC is united in Tshwane and can’t be defeated.
“The alliance is united and it will never be defeated.”
Matsena, who is also the ANC's Tshwane election co-ordinator, said Didiza’s walkabout has been in line with the Friday election campaign in which party leaders met the public in parts of the city.
Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) spokesman Siphiwe Dlamini said the situation was calm in most parts of Tshwane.
“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those who lost their lives,” Dlamini said.
“The circumstances surrounding their deaths are under investigation by police.
“The government wishes to re-emphasise that one life lost is one life too many and no one should lose their lives as a result of any unhappiness.”
A body was found at the Central City Shopping Mall in Mabopane on Thursday as the unrest and looting continued.
Police found another body in a nearby house.
Two bodies were discovered in Mamelodi on Wednesday.
A man died in hospital on Sunday after being shot at a meeting at the Tshwane events centre.
Police confirmed they were holding at least 200 people who were to be charged with public violence and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
Additional charges of possession of stolen property and malicious damage to property would be filed against the suspects.
Police said that tensions had eased, however.
They appealed to residents to remain calm.
Police would continue to monitor the situation.
Tshwane metro police executive director Console Tleane said that the situation was fairly calm in Mabopane, Soshanguve and Mamelodi, which had been the epicentres of the disturbances.
“We want to assure people the city will ensure services are less disrupted.
“The Tshwane Metro Police Department and the SAPS will continue to deploy heavily in all the affected areas.”
City manager Jason Ngobeni appealed to people refrain from blocking the cleared roads.
The Sunday Independent