More than 100 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested in Limpopo as part of intensified law enforcement operations conducted during and after the recent anti-foreigner demonstrations, with police praising a coordinated response that helped prevent widespread unrest across the province.
The arrests formed part of compliance and enforcement operations carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and various stakeholders amid tensions linked to anti-immigration protests that unfolded in several parts of the country on June 30.
Limpopo Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General JP Scheepers, commended law enforcement agencies, government departments, municipalities, the Border Management Authority, community structures and other stakeholders for helping maintain peace and stability.
According to SAPS, the province remained largely stable despite attempts by some individuals to exploit the demonstrations through criminal activity and public disorder.
“As part of ongoing operations, SAPS, together with relevant stakeholders, arrested over 100 undocumented foreign nationals during compliance and law enforcement operations,” police said.
Police said the arrests were part of broader efforts aimed at enforcing immigration and other laws while ensuring that all interventions were conducted within the framework of the Constitution.
Scheepers credited intelligence-driven policing and coordinated deployments for preventing the escalation of incidents in affected communities.
“Limpopo has once again demonstrated that it is a province governed by the rule of law. Although we experienced challenges and some individuals attempted to exploit the situation through acts of criminality and public disorder, the coordinated response by law enforcement and our partners ensured that these incidents were swiftly contained,” he said.
“We remain committed to protecting every person within our province while enforcing the law without fear or favour.”
The provincial police leadership also praised SAPS members for what it described as professionalism, vigilance and swift operational responses throughout the demonstrations.
Police said high-visibility patrols, intelligence-led operations, strategic deployments and ongoing engagement with communities played a crucial role in restoring calm and ensuring stability prevailed across the province.
Beyond law enforcement efforts, SAPS acknowledged the role played by residents, businesses, faith-based organisations and humanitarian groups that provided food, water, blankets and toiletries to people accommodated at temporary camps established during the unrest.
“Their support reflected the spirit of Ubuntu and compassion during a challenging period,” Scheepers added.
Authorities have vowed to maintain an increased police presence in identified hotspot areas across Limpopo through intelligence-driven operations, high-visibility patrols and rapid-response deployments.
Police also urged residents to reject violence, intimidation and vigilantism, warning that criminal conduct would be dealt with decisively regardless of who is responsible.
While police have hailed the operations as a success in maintaining peace and public safety, authorities say enforcement efforts will continue as they work to prevent further unrest and ensure stability across the province.
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Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
