SOUTH AFRICA — The South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested multiple individuals for looting and attempted looting since the early hours of Tuesday morning, as law enforcement monitors planned nationwide marches taking place today.
According to the police, policing operations have been effective, with demonstrations remaining largely peaceful across the country. However, law enforcement has responded to isolated incidents of looting and attempted looting in various parts of the nation.
Police remain on high alert with heightened deployments in place to maintain law and order, protect public safety, and secure businesses and critical infrastructure. Officers deployed nationwide have been instructed to act swiftly and decisively against criminal activities, including looting, public violence, malicious damage to property, and intimidation.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia urged citizens to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and ensure demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful.
“Those who choose to exploit the marches to commit criminal acts will face the full might of the law,” Cachalia stated, confirming that police will continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for criminal conduct.
Preparations and warnings were escalated on Monday evening by National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (Natjoints) chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili. Mosikili warned that where criminality occurs, law enforcement will respond swiftly, proportionately, and decisively within the confines of the law.
Mosikili confirmed that specialized operational units are ready to respond at a moment’s notice and that contingency plans have been tested. Additionally, the SAPS Air Wing is prepared to provide aerial surveillance and operational support wherever required.
Assuring peaceful demonstrators that their constitutional rights will be protected, Mosikili stated that the safety of every South African remains the highest priority. However, she issued a strict warning to those intending to break the law not to “test the resolve of the State.”
Highlighting the clear distinction between exercising democratic rights and committing criminal offenses, Mosikili emphasized that no dangerous weapons—including firearms, knives, and traditional weapons—will be allowed in terms of Section 17 of the Constitution.
“Anyone who crosses that line must expect the full and immediate consequences of the law,” Mosikili said, adding that the State will act decisively against any person seeking to exploit demonstrations to commit acts of lawlessness.
