Six suspects were arrested during the June 30 demonstrations in Mpumalanga targeting undocumented foreign nationals.
Three were charged with public violence in Daggakraal after allegedly blocking a road with burning tyres, while three others were arrested in Mashishing after they were allegedly found in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.
The arrests came amid nationwide demonstrations on Tuesday calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
More than 20 civic groups participated in protests across all nine provinces, with organisers maintaining their demand that undocumented foreign nationals leave the country.
The organisers have set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to self-deport.
The arrests were confirmed in a joint statement after the protests by Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie and Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi.
The two commended residents in the province for exercising their democratic right in a peaceful and orderly manner during the national protests and marches.
In a joint statement, Macie and Mkhwanazi said they were encouraged by the conduct of communities across Mpumalanga, where the majority of planned gatherings took place without incidents of violence, damage to property or disruption of essential services.
“(There were) only few incidents where the criminals thought they could take advantage of the protests, but law enforcement agencies responded swiftly and apprehended them.”
The joined statement said three suspects were arrested and charged with public violence in Daggakraal.
“It is reported that these individuals were allegedly involved in blocking the road with burning tyres while three other male suspects were arrested after being found in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle in Mashishing.”
Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi thanked residents of Mpumalanga for heeding the call to protest peacefully and within the prescripts of the law.
“Your discipline has ensured that businesses remained open, roads stayed open and communities were safe.”
“We also thank our members, some of whom were called from leave to come and work extra hours. We also thank all law enforcement agencies who were on high alert and worked together with us to maintain stability. The partnership with communities also made a big difference,” said Mkhwanazi.
Macie said they were grateful to communities and organisers of the protests who, while expressing their rights as enshrined in the Constitution, still respected the law and the rights of others.
“We want to continue in the same manner and also report any person who may hijack their demonstrations to break the law.”
“We are extremely grateful and proud of all members of the security who responded to a few reported incidents and their dedication to serving and protecting our people,” he said.
The authorities said the deployment will continue until it is deemed fit to withdraw.
IOL News
Simon Majadibodu
iol.co.za
