National Police Arrest 500 Suspects in Luanda Vandalism Case

Luanda: The National Police arrested 500 people in Luanda in the last 24 hours for suspected involvement in looting and vandalism during the taxi drivers' strike that began Monday in the Angolan capital, said police spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Mateus Rodrigues on Tuesday. Speaking at a press conference following the vandalism that occurred Monday, the first day of the three-day strike declared by taxi drivers in the Angolan capital, Rodrigues said that the vandalism resulted in four deaths. According to Angola Press News Agency, Rodrigues stated that of the 500 arrests, 100 were made on the first day and the rest on Tuesday. He noted that approximately 45 commercial stores, 25 private vehicles, 20 public buses, three bank branches, and two ATMs were vandalized. However, the commissioner assured that the public safety situation in Luanda province is currently stable as social normality returns with the reopening of main roads and other establishments where acts of vandalism occurred. The spokesperson me ntioned that obstacles placed on the roads to impede the free movement of people and goods were removed Monday. He added that there have been reports of some outbreaks of disorder where individuals attempting to do as they did Monday were repelled. Rodrigues warned citizens about a possible attempt to instill fear and insecurity among the public by disseminating messages on social media aimed at disrupting order. "We must recognize that the disruption of order is serious. It happened yesterday, and our forces responded promptly. It continues to be a concern," the officer said, urging citizens to rely on information from official bodies. He urged citizens to refrain from vandalism and reminded them that all those involved will be held civilly and criminally liable for their actions. He also requested that the population report any acts that threaten public peace, security, or tranquility.