The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has condemned recent demonstrations targeting illegal immigrants in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, describing incidents of violence and destruction as criminal acts rather than genuine expressions of grievance.
Briefing the media on Saturday night, NATJOINTS Co-Chairperson and Deputy National Commissioner for Policing, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, confirmed that 30 people had been arrested in connection with the demonstrations.
Of those arrested, 25 were apprehended in KwaZulu-Natal and five in Gauteng following incidents linked to public violence and unlawful protest activity.
Mosikili said the unrest involved the burning of vehicles, damage to buildings, looting and confrontations within communities.
She stressed that violence, intimidation and the destruction of property threatened lives, livelihoods, essential services and community safety.
30 Arrested as Police Investigate Violence
According to Mosikili, the suspects face allegations involving public violence, malicious damage to property, illegal gathering, obstruction and resisting arrest. Further charges may follow as investigations progress.
Those arrested reportedly include individuals suspected of leading the demonstrations and allegedly threatening to disrupt planned sporting events in Durban.
Authorities are continuing investigations into the burning of vehicles, attacks on businesses and residences, looting and other reported criminal activities.
SANDF Deployed to Support Police
Mosikili said NATJOINTS had strengthened national coordination, with senior management and additional operational resources deployed to reinforce policing capacity in the affected provinces.
Crime Intelligence, the State Security Agency and other intelligence structures are also monitoring developments, verifying information and identifying potential threats to support operational planning.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been activated in KwaZulu-Natal to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in stabilisation efforts and the maintenance of law and order.
She added that further reinforcement requirements were being assessed according to operational needs.
Football and Cricket Matches Proceed Without Disruption
Despite concerns about possible disruptions, planned football and cricket matches in KwaZulu-Natal went ahead on Saturday without incident, according to Mosikili.
She said the successful events demonstrated the importance of coordinated security planning and deployments in allowing communities to continue with lawful activities.
NATJOINTS has pledged to maintain its operational response as investigations continue, emphasising that those responsible for violence and criminal acts will be pursued through the law.
Authorities have urged communities to remain peaceful as security agencies continue monitoring developments in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
