Johannesburg – Archbishop Bafana Stephen Zondo has called on rioters to stop looting shops and vandalising public and private property.
In a media statement, Zondo said the looting and destruction of property will put negative pressure on South Africa’s moribund economy and also result in massive job losses.
“We have witnessed gruesome violence on our different media platforms, this has unfortunately sent the country into a state of panic and uncertainty. This can be easily referred to as “double jeopardy” because the country is under lockdown owing to the COVID 19 virus, now, the sporadic and yet rapid state of violence is also underway. This must come to an end,” he said.
Zondo also appealed those who wish to protest to do so peacefully and respect the rule of law.
“I call for calmness and tranquillity, South Africa is a peaceful nation that thrives on peace. We were able to do it before, we can do it again, we can find an amicable solution that guarantees peace, tranquillity and calmness. South Africa is not a violent country but is rather peaceful and respects the rule of law.
Zondo also said he believed that government and looters, who left a trail of destruction that was estimated at millions of rands, could still find a solution to their grievances.
“I personally respect the rule of law and I personally respect the right of any person that wishes to register their concern or grievance. I wish to state it categorically clear that both the government and the alleged rioters have a solution for this on-going conundrum,” he said.
He added: “ I appeal to the government (that is established on the will of the people), to heed the clarion call of the people and find an amicable solution that is beneficial to all and sundry, I equally appeal to our people, violence and destruction of property is not a solution, it affects lives negatively”.
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