20 cases opened following Tshwane violence
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster says 20 cases are being investigated following violent protests in Tshwane.
Government's condemned the violence and destruction that has swept through various parts of Pretoria.
Residents are unhappy that Durban-born Thoko Didiza is the ANC's mayoral candidate for the Metro in the upcoming local government elections.
Officials are calling for calm, with ministers in the cluster saying the situation is being monitored closely.
Government has increased police visibility and will be monitoring all major hotspots.
Also read: Government not sending army into Tshwane yet
Chair of the Security Cluster Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says the situation is being monitored.
''We have noted the criminal elements, who have taken advantage of the situation by disrupting the socio-economic activities, leading to the closure of certain businesses, for instance, in in the CBD.
''No public space will be turned into a no-go area, government reiterates that any form of intimidation or looting will not be tolerated,'' she said.
Government says it has also noted that violent protests are not only confined only to the capital.
Some residents say they want a local mayoral candidate.
''We don't want [Thoko] Didiza, no, not at all. Even if the mayor is not Sputla [Kgosientso Ramokgopa] but someone from Tshwane at least, not someone from KZN,'' said a local resident.