Cabinet has condemned the recent spate of violence in and around the Tshwane, where five people have been killed since Sunday.

Violent protests broke out in townships across the city on Sunday evening when the African National Congress (ANC) announced that former public works minister Thoko Didiza was its mayoral candidate for Tshwane.

Cabinet on Thursday called on citizens to refrain from breaking the law.

"No amount of grievance can justify violence and the destruction of property. Those found guilty of perpetrating such criminal acts will face the full might of the law," Cabinet said in a statement.

The criminal behaviour infringed on the rights and free movement of others, Cabinet said.

"Cabinet calls on communities to work with law-enforcement agencies to root out those who disrespect others' constitutional rights."

On Thursday, police and journalists combing through the debris, following overnight looting, discovered two bodies at the Mabopane Central City shopping centre in Tshwane.

Two people were shot dead during looting in Mamelodi between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, while an ANC member was shot dead outside the Tshwane Events Centre on Sunday.