Several people have been arrested in connection with looting and attempted looting as anti-immigration demonstrations take place in various parts of South Africa, with authorities maintaining a heightened security presence to prevent violence and protect businesses.
The Ministry of Police confirmed that arrests were made from the early hours of Tuesday after law enforcement agencies monitored planned demonstrations across the country. While the majority of marches have proceeded peacefully, police say isolated incidents of criminality have prompted swift intervention.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has significantly increased deployments nationwide, with officers assigned to safeguard communities, businesses and critical infrastructure amid concerns that criminal elements could exploit the demonstrations.
Authorities have warned that anyone involved in looting, attempted looting, public violence, intimidation or damage to property will face criminal prosecution.
Acting Police Minister Issues Warning
Firoz Cachalia has appealed to demonstrators to exercise their constitutional right to protest responsibly, stressing that peaceful assembly remains protected under the Constitution but criminal conduct will not be tolerated.
Cachalia said law enforcement agencies would continue identifying, arresting and prosecuting individuals who attempt to exploit the demonstrations for criminal purposes.
“The police will continue to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders,” the Acting Minister said, adding that maintaining public order remains a priority as demonstrations continue throughout the country.
Officials say policing operations have thus far proved effective, with crowd management and public safety remaining central to their operational strategy.
Anti-Immigration Demonstrations Under Close Watch
Tuesday’s demonstrations follow growing calls by anti-immigration groups for nationwide marches aimed at demanding stricter enforcement of immigration laws and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals.
While organisers have framed the protests as lawful demonstrations over border security, illegal immigration and crime, government departments and law enforcement agencies have repeatedly cautioned against xenophobic violence and vigilantism.
South Africa has experienced several waves of anti-foreigner violence over the past two decades, with previous outbreaks resulting in deaths, injuries, widespread displacement and the destruction of foreign-owned businesses. Authorities have therefore adopted a zero-tolerance approach to any attempts to incite violence or target migrant communities.
Cape Town Remains Largely Calm
In Cape Town, authorities say the situation remains under control despite a planned anti-immigration march to the offices of the Western Cape Government.
The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre reported only a handful of isolated incidents throughout the day.
According to the City’s Disaster Coordinating Team, officials responded to:
- A gathering of approximately 40 people in Bloekombos.
- A small group assembled at the Grand Parade.
- An attempted looting of a shop in Gugulethu, where SAPS officers, assisted by Metro Police, intervened before the situation escalated.
Officials also confirmed that major transport interchanges across the city remained fully operational with no disruptions reported.
Public Urged Not to Spread Misinformation
JP Smith, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety & Security, said the anti-immigration movement has not gained the same momentum in Cape Town as it has in parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
He pointed to recent demonstrations in Sea Point, Wynberg and Parklands, which attracted relatively small numbers of participants.
Smith also revealed that authorities dealt with an attempted looting incident on Monday in Kalksteenfontein, near Bishop Lavis, where suspects allegedly attempted to target a Somali-owned shop. He said SAPS officers intervened quickly, preventing further escalation and making arrests.
The City’s extensive community safety network, including neighbourhood watch groups, ward councillors and private security companies, continues to provide real-time intelligence to authorities monitoring developments.
Smith cautioned that those seeking to incite violence often rely on fear and false information to inflame tensions.
“The people who want violence to break out today are going to depend on a lot of panic and misinformation to light that spark to get the violence going. We all have a role in not disseminating incorrect information,” Smith said.
He urged residents to refrain from sharing unverified reports on social media, warning that misinformation could unnecessarily heighten tensions and undermine ongoing policing operations.
Authorities Appeal for Calm
Police and municipal authorities have reiterated that peaceful protest remains a constitutional right but warned that criminal behaviour will be dealt with decisively.
With law enforcement agencies remaining on high alert across South Africa, officials continue to monitor demonstrations closely while urging the public to remain calm, cooperate with authorities and avoid spreading unverified information that could fuel unrest.
For now, police say the security operation has succeeded in containing isolated incidents of criminality, with the broader protest action remaining largely peaceful.
