Middelburg – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga has arrested 14 people following a protest march in Middelburg on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, during which a senior police officer was assaulted and several criminal acts were reported.
According to SAPS, the incident occurred during a march of about 2,000 participants, where police and other law enforcement agencies were deployed to monitor public order.
Authorities said parts of the protest became violent in the afternoon when a group of demonstrators allegedly entered a residential complex and began searching through flats.
During the chaos, a police Lieutenant Colonel was assaulted while attempting to restore order.
A 31-year-old man was arrested in connection with the attack and is facing a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police also arrested another suspect for theft after alleged looting during the disturbance.
In a separate development during the same operation, SAPS worked with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the immigration status of foreign nationals present at the march. Of 39 individuals processed, 27 were cleared and released, while 12 were detained for contravening the Immigration Act after being found without valid documentation.
Law enforcement also confiscated suspected drugs weighing about 64 grams, six cellular phones, a laptop, a replica firearm with a holster, and other recovered items including additional laptops and cash, which were returned to lawful owners where applicable.
All 14 suspects are expected to appear before the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 11 June 2026. One of the accused was hospitalised under police guard due to injuries sustained during the incident.
SAPS Acting Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, condemned the attack on police officers, warning that law enforcement would take firm action against violence and lawlessness during public gatherings.
“We will never tolerate lawlessness or acts of violence and vigilantism. People have the right to protest, but it must be done within the ambit of the law,” he said.
Police have also confirmed they are monitoring a separate protest taking place in Ermelo in the Gert Sibande District.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
