Over 900 Arrested as South Africa Declares June 30 Anti-Illegal Immigration Protests a Success
South African authorities say more than 900 people were arrested during nationwide anti-illegal immigration protests held on June 30, describing the coordinated security operation as largely successful despite isolated incidents of violence and looting.
Addressing the media after the demonstrations, National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) chairperson Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said the overwhelming majority of the marches unfolded peacefully, with only a small number requiring police intervention.
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Majority of Marches Remain Peaceful
According to Mosikili, a total of 120 protest marches took place across the country, with law enforcement stepping in during only 12 of them.
She said police operations conducted alongside the demonstrations resulted in the arrest of more than 900 people.
“The majority of those arrested were undocumented foreign nationals and individuals linked to looting,” Mosikili said.
She added that others were taken into custody for offences including public violence, harbouring undocumented immigrants and business robberies targeting spaza shops.
Western Cape, Eastern Cape Record Highest Arrests
The Western Cape recorded the highest number of arrests at 215, followed closely by the Eastern Cape with 208.
Authorities said many of those detained in the two provinces were arrested for public violence and alleged violations of immigration laws.
Gauteng reported 82 arrests, with most cases involving looting and immigration-related offences.
Isolated Violence Reported in Gauteng
Despite the generally peaceful nature of the demonstrations, police confirmed several serious incidents in Gauteng.
These included the fatal killing of a man during looting in Alexandra, as well as the attempted murder of two men in Hillbrow.
Authorities said investigations into the incidents are continuing.
Police and Organisers Commended
Mosikili praised members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and private security companies for maintaining public order throughout the protests.
She said security personnel had acted professionally under difficult conditions while protecting constitutional rights and responding firmly to criminal activity.
The Natjoints chairperson also commended protest organisers for cooperating with law enforcement and encouraging participants to remain peaceful and abide by the country’s laws.
Authorities Monitoring Future Demonstrations
Mosikili acknowledged announcements by protest organisers that demonstrations against illegal immigration could continue over the next six months.
She said law enforcement agencies would continue monitoring developments to ensure future protests remain peaceful while taking decisive action against criminal activities associated with the demonstrations.