SOUTH AFRICAN trade unions and women’s leaders slammed this week’s riots in Pretoria yesterday as the conspiracy behind the violence was unmasked.

The Congress of South African Trade Unions said it was “deeply troubled” by reports in the Cape Times and The New Age suggesting a faction in the ANC backed by corrupt businesspeople had organised the riots.

The reports said that at least 15 supporters of African National Congress (ANC) Tshwane mayoral incumbent Kgosientso “Sputla” Ramokgopa had met at the Court Classique Hotel.

There they plotted their response to his replacement as candidate by National Assembly chairperson Thoko Didiza.

An anonymous source said an employee of Mr Ramokgopa’s office was among them.

Once they reached a decision, they sent out text messages and Twitter posts with the slogans #OneMayor­OneChairperson and #NOSPUTLANOVOTE, and “within moments” the rioting began.

“This group is conscious that their continued looting of city coffers will come to an abrupt end if she is appointed mayor,” he source said.

“Cde Thoko is a no-nonsense person and one who will not tolerate corruption. She poses a massive threat to this faction.”The ANC Women’s League also condemned the riots and welcomed Ms Didiza’s selection as candidate.

While the conspirators were not named in the newspaper reports, Security Minister David Mahlobo said on Tuesday: “We know the people who are involved.”

Mr Ramokgopa succeeded his mother, Deputy Health Minister and ANC Gauteng Deputy Provincial Secretary Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, as mayor of Tshwane — the metropolitan area that includes Pretoria.

Yesterday Mr Ramokgopa was touring the townships of Mamelodi and Atteridgeville urging people to stop burning and looting.