The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, has deployed more members from various specialised units following the incident of revenge attacks in Addo yesterday, Sunday, May 25, and today, May 26.
SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, said, “The incident has claimed three lives and left at least ten people injured.”
According to a report, community members from the Valencia area in Addo took to the streets and reportedly attacked foreign nationals in the area.
Nkohli further said, “It is believed that these unlawful acts of revenge attacks began with an incident in which a local resident was allegedly murdered following a fight between a group of local residents and foreign nationals outside a tavern on Saturday, May 24.”
He added that “It is reported that other community members mobilised and randomly attacked foreign nationals in the area. The situation is now under control. Police have deployed members from various specialised units and are maintaining a heavy police presence in the area.”
Police are investigating four counts of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. “The arrests are imminent,” he said.
Kupiso appeals to the community to remain calm and urges community leaders to assist with the engagement.
