Anti-illegal immigration protests | 30 arrested as protests over asylum policy turn violent in KZN and Gauteng

Ask AI 2minActing National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane has warned against violence and intimidation amid demonstrations over immigration and asylum policy, as police report 30 arrests and remain on high alert across the country.

Acting National Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane has commended police officers and law enforcement agencies for decisive, intelligence-led interventions to maintain law and order, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, where 30 people have been arrested since Thursday. 

The arrests come amid growing public controversy over immigration and the government’s handling of asylum policy.

The dispute centres on a Constitutional Court judgment allowing asylum seekers to access the asylum application process regardless of how they entered South Africa.

Several vehicles and houses were set alight in KwaZulu-Natal, while several vehicles were also set alight in Gauteng.

Dimpane said 25 of the 30 arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal and five in Gauteng for offences including public violence, illegal gathering, obstruction and resisting arrest.

She said those arrested include individuals identified as ringleaders who allegedly threatened to disrupt planned football matches in Durban on Saturday afternoon.

“The SAPS will not allow threats, intimidation or unlawful conduct to undermine public safety, disrupt sporting events or destabilise communities.”

“Our responsibility is to protect lives, safeguard property and uphold the rule of law. We will act decisively, professionally and within the confines of the law against anyone who threatens public order,” she said.

Dimpane commended members of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Crime Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies, led by provincial commissioners, for their tireless efforts to prevent violence and maintain stability under challenging circumstances.

She said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) and Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (PROVJOINTS) continued to coordinate effective, efficient and intelligence-led operational responses.

The deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in KwaZulu-Natal forms part of broader stabilisation efforts undertaken through co-operation between the SAPS and the SANDF.

Police remain on high alert across all provinces. Sporadic incidents reported in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo were swiftly addressed through operational interventions.

“The Constitution protects the right to assemble, demonstrate and present grievances peacefully.”

“However, this right does not extend to intimidation, looting, malicious damage to property, public violence or the obstruction of lawful activities.”

“Such conduct constitutes criminality, and the police will respond firmly and impartially in accordance with the law,” Dimpane emphasised.

She called on communities to work with the police, share information and refrain from participating in unlawful activities that endanger lives and livelihoods.

Dimpane reiterated that the priority remained preventing violence and protecting all people, with every effort directed at maintaining peace and avoiding loss of life.