WATCH | More than 900 arrested in 30 June protests as state praises security response

Anti-immigrants

Pretoria – The majority of the anti-illegal immigration marches held across South Africa on 30 June remained peaceful, despite isolated incidents of violence and criminality that stretched law enforcement resources into the night.

National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) chairperson Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili provided the update during a briefing on Wednesday on the outcomes of the nationwide protests.

Mosikili said a total of 120 marches took place across the country, with 108 proceeding peacefully. However, 12 demonstrations required intervention from law enforcement following incidents of unrest.

She confirmed that arrests continued throughout the night, including individuals who had attempted to take the law into their own hands.

“One can confirm the number of arrests that happened throughout the night. It included those that were trying to make themselves officers of the law, and they are not officers,” she said.

Mosikili warned that those who chose to engage in criminal activity would face the full might of the law.

“More than 900 persons were arrested during yesterday’s operations. The majority of those arrested were illegal foreigners and for looting. Some were arrested for public violence, some for harbouring illegal immigrants and business robbery at spaza shops,” she said.

The Western Cape and Eastern Cape recorded the highest number of arrests, with 215 and 208 respectively. According to Mosikili, most of these arrests were linked to public violence and contraventions of the Immigration Act.

Gauteng recorded 82 arrests, mainly related to looting and immigration offences. Mosikili also confirmed three serious violent incidents in the province, including the murder of a man during looting in Alexandra and the attempted murder of two men in Hillbrow.

She thanked members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and private security companies for maintaining law and order throughout the day.

“You stood firm under challenging circumstances, enforced the law without fear or favour, and ensured that constitutional rights were protected while criminality was dealt with decisively. Your dedication has once again demonstrated the strength of coordinated law enforcement,” said the deputy national police commissioner.

Mosikili also commended organisers of the marches for helping to maintain order during the demonstrations.

Meanwhile, according to Eyewitness News, Eastern Cape police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana said the province remained largely calm despite isolated incidents in Bizana, Lusikisiki and Duncan Village.

She said those arrested in the province face charges including looting, incitement to commit violence, fraud and attempted robbery.

“A total of 21 criminal arrests were recorded across the province, with the following district breakdown: Alfred Nzo recorded seven arrests, Amathole recorded five arrests, Buffalo City recorded eight arrests, and Sarah Baartman recorded one arrest,” Gantana said.

She added that police would continue maintaining a strong presence in identified hotspots.

“Pockets of volatility were observed in KwaNompumelelo, Ducats, Duncan Village, Bizana and Lusikisiki. However, police responded swiftly and successfully contained the situation.”

Speaking during a separate media briefing, Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said the province had recorded 154 arrests during the March and March protests against illegal immigration across Johannesburg, Sedibeng, Tshwane and the West Rand.

“Some of the people are going to struggle to get bail. Despite a full warning, it seems like we are dealing with habitual criminals,” Mthombeni said.

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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi

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