The Democratic Alliance (DA) would have prevented the violent protests in Tshwane, its mayoral candidate for the metro claimed on Monday.

“We would have ensured that the police were there to protect the majority of the people, not just the politicians,” Solly Msimanga told party supporters in Soshanguve.

He said he had reported rumours about violence flaring up to police.

“I shared some information with the national and the provincial police commissioner that there are rumours that these things are going to take place.”

He was speaking at the party’s Tshwane election manifesto launch, where DA leader Mmusi Maimane also addressed residents.

Mashadi Selepe, spokesperson for the acting national police commissioner, said Msimanga made contact last week, while the protests were under way.

Selepe said police followed up on information from various sources, which ultimately resulted in order being restored.

“The SAPS continue to receive information which has been useful in the investigation of crimes committed during the unfortunate Tshwane protests,” Selepe said.

Last Monday, residents in various parts of Tshwane began protesting, looting, and destroying property, apparently in protest against the African National Congress’s nomination of Thoko Didiza as the metro’s mayoral candidate for the August 3 local government elections. Five people were killed.

“A leader needs to be on the ground, so that you can pre-empt what is going to happen,” Msimanga said.

This would enable resources to be deployed timeously to prevent loss of life and damage to property, he said.