Johannesburg – The police have largely maintained law and order during anti-immigrant marches around the country, but several suspects have been arrested for looting.
There were large turnouts of stick-waving protestors in Durban, Johannesburg and Jabulani in Soweto.
“Whilst policing operations have been effective thus far, with demonstrations remaining largely peaceful across the country, police have responded to isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting,” the Ministry of Police said in a midday statement.
“The Ministry of Police confirms that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has, since the early hours of this morning, arrested several individuals in connection with incidents of looting and attempted looting reported in parts of the country as law enforcement continues to monitor the planned marches taking place nationwide today, 30 June.”
Police remain on high alert, with heightened deployments in place to ensure public safety, protect businesses and critical infrastructure, and maintain law and order.
Members deployed across the country have been instructed to act swiftly and decisively against anyone who engages in criminal activities, including looting, attempted looting, public violence, malicious damage to property, intimidation, or any other unlawful conduct.
In responding to these arrests, the Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, stated: “We urge citizens to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful.
“Those who choose to exploit the marches to commit criminal acts will face the full might of the law.
“Police will continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for criminal conduct.”
