The North West Premier, Prof Tebogo Job Mokgoro and the Provincial Executive Council have called on people in North West to exercise restraint and desist from embarking on any riotous conduct or looting.

Premier Mokgoro thanked various political and community leaders, as well as organisations across the province for displaying leadership in encouraging communities to distance themselves from acts of vandalism, looting and destruction as witnessed in other parts of the country.

In Brits and Hartbeespoort, malls and shops were closed on Monday as a precaution after alleged threaths of protests. No rioting or looting has been reported in the area.

“We are encouraged by the vigilance displayed by our people during this trying period for having resolved to protect private and public properties from acts of vandalism, thuggery and criminality,” Mokgoro said.

The Premier also commended members of the community for having cooperated with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in ensuring that no property is destroyed or looted.

“Residents of our province took to social media platforms to encourage people to prevent looting, and this morning (Tuesday) North West Province was trending on social media platforms for this initiative. “

Premier Mokgoro and the EXCO also welcomed the measures that President Cyril Ramaphosa announced to ensure that stability and calm return to those parts of the country that have been experiencing violent riots in the past few days.