by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – POLICE have arrested more than 900 individuals for a number of offences committed during anti-migrant demonstrations that peaked in South Africa on Tuesday.
Despite pledges by organisers that the demonstrations would be peaceful, there was an outbreak of looting, violence and vandalism, among other offences.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, Deputy National Commissioner for Policing of the South African Police Service (SAPS), provided an overview of the national situation following the demonstrations, as the country remained tense.
She confirmed that 120 marches took place nationwide, with 108 being peaceful and 12 requiring police intervention.
Mosikili further reported that the arrests made nationwide were for various offences, including public violence, looting and immigration-related crimes.
“Those who sought to exploit yesterday’s demonstrations for criminal gain were identified, pursued and brought before the law,” she said.
Mosikili confirmed one of the serious incidents during the unrest included the Hillbrow shooting, where two people were injured during protest-related violence.
Hillbrow in Johannesburg is mostly occupied by foreign nationals.
Mosikili said the country remained “relatively stable”, with the majority of South Africans exercising their constitutional rights peacefully and responsibly.
She said the overall situation reflected stability and respect for the rule of law and confirmed that operations remained ongoing as police continued to monitor developments and would continue to work with other law enforcement agencies and government departments to ensure public safety and calm in the country.
“We remain vigilant, we remain prepared, and we will continue to act decisively against anyone who threatens the safety, security and stability of our country,” Mosikili said.
She said police were intensifying operations to ensure all people in the country were in possession of valid documentation and compliant with the laws of the country.
“These operations will continue in close collaboration with all relevant government departments to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the integrity of our immigration system.”
Several African countries have begun evacuating their citizens following the outbreak of violent protests.
– CAJ News