By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Ministry of the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that officers arrested several individuals in connection with incidents of looting and attempted looting reported in parts of the country on Tuesday morning.
According to the ministry, policing operations have been effective thus far, with demonstrations remaining largely peaceful across the country.
However, police have responded to isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said, “Police remain on high alert, with heightened deployments in place to ensure public safety, protect businesses and critical infrastructure and maintaining law and order.”
“Members deployed across the country have been instructed to act swiftly and decisively against anyone who engages in criminal activities, including looting, attempted looting, public violence, malicious damage to property, intimidation or any other unlawful conduct.”
“We urge citizens to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful.”
“Those who choose to exploit the marches to commit criminal acts will face the full might of the law. Police will continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for criminal conduct,” Cachalia said.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (Natjoints) warned that where criminality presents itself, law enforcement agencies would respond swiftly, proportionately and decisively within the confines of the law.
The campaign group March and March, behind the latest protests, denies encouraging violence, and says it cannot be held responsible for spontaneous acts of anger by South Africans towards the undocumented migrants.
“We are trying to channel that anger towards the government,” Jacinta Ngobese said.
Law enforcement continues to monitor the planned marches taking place nationwide, with officers remaining on high alert throughout the day.
Meanwhile President Cyril Ramaphosa held a seemingly cordial meeting with two organisers of the anti-immigrant protests, Ngizwe Mchunu and Phakelumthakathi. Notably absent from the meeting was Ngobese-Zuma.