Several people have been arrested across South Africa for looting and attempted looting during ongoing protests linked to demonstrations against undocumented immigration. Authorities say while most gatherings have remained peaceful, isolated incidents of criminal behaviour have required swift police intervention.
According to the police, the situation has been largely under control, but law enforcement agencies remain on high alert as protests continue in various parts of the country. Increased deployments have been made to safeguard businesses, protect critical infrastructure, and ensure that public order is maintained.
The South African Police Service confirmed that officers are actively monitoring protest hotspots and responding quickly to any unlawful activity. Police say their priority is to ensure that citizens are able to exercise their constitutional right to protest while preventing violence, vandalism, and theft.
Police Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said law enforcement officers have been instructed to act firmly against any criminal conduct that arises during demonstrations. This includes looting, attempted looting, public violence, malicious damage to property, intimidation, and other unlawful acts.
“Members deployed across the country have been instructed to act swiftly and decisively against anyone who engages in criminal activities,” Mogotsi said. She emphasised that the response from law enforcement will not be lenient when it comes to criminal exploitation of public protests.
The Ministry of Police also reiterated that the right to peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, but it must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law. Officials warned that individuals who use demonstrations as a cover to commit crimes will face serious consequences.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has called on all participants in the nationwide marches to remain peaceful and avoid any actions that could escalate tensions or endanger lives and property. He stressed that security forces are fully prepared to respond to any threats to public safety.
The protests, which have spread to several provinces, are part of growing public demonstrations against undocumented immigration. While organisers have called for peaceful marches, authorities say a small number of individuals have taken advantage of the gatherings to engage in opportunistic criminal activity.
Police visibility has been significantly increased in urban centres, transport routes, and commercial areas to prevent further incidents of looting or destruction of property. Businesses in affected areas have also been advised to take precautionary measures as demonstrations continue.
Authorities say investigations into the arrests are ongoing, and more suspects could face charges depending on evidence gathered during the operations.
Despite the tensions, officials maintain that the majority of protesters have acted within the law, and they are urging continued calm as efforts continue to manage the situation.
Law enforcement agencies have also appealed to community leaders and protest organisers to work closely with police to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and do not descend into chaos.
As the situation develops, authorities say they will continue to monitor events closely and respond decisively to any further incidents of criminality linked to the protests.
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