More than 900 people were arrested across South Africa following nationwide protests over illegal immigration and alleged criminal activity, as law enforcement agencies intensified operations to contain unrest and enforce immigration laws.
According to National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Chairperson, Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, the arrests were made during both the protest-related policing operations and routine law enforcement activities conducted across the country.
“More than 900 persons were arrested during yesterday’s operations,” Mosikili said, adding that while security forces were deployed to monitor marches held in terms of the country’s gathering laws, policing efforts continued nationwide, contributing to the overall number of arrests.
Authorities confirmed that those arrested face a range of charges, including public violence, looting, business robbery, incitement, harbouring undocumented foreign nationals in contravention of the Immigration Act, and immigration-related offences. Mosikili noted that the majority of those arrested were undocumented foreign nationals.
The demonstrations were largely centred on calls for stronger action against illegal immigration and criminal activity. While many gatherings remained peaceful, incidents of violence and criminality were reported in several areas.
In Gauteng, one person was killed in Alexandra during an alleged looting incident involving foreign-owned spaza shops. In a separate incident in Hillbrow, two people sustained injuries after gunfire broke out, further highlighting the volatile nature of some of the protests.
The developments underscore the growing tensions surrounding immigration and public safety in South Africa, issues that have increasingly become the focus of national debate. While authorities have reaffirmed the constitutional right to peaceful protest, they have also warned that acts of violence, looting and intimidation will be met with firm law enforcement action.
As investigations continue, police are expected to process those arrested through the criminal justice system while maintaining a heightened security presence in areas identified as potential flashpoints.