Police say more than 60 suspects have been arrested in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal following violent protests. They say visibility has been heightened and officers remain on high alert in response to incidents of opportunistic criminality.
[OVER ALL] 62 people have been arrested for public violence, theft, possession of suspected stolen property and malicious damage to property in both KZN and Gauteng. #KZNshutdown #ShutDownGauteng
— Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) July 11, 2021
In Alexandra, Johannesburg, police arrested 25 suspects for public violence also linked to the shooting of a police officer, who was rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention.
Police spokesperson, Brenda Muridili, says an investigation has been launched on the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a 40-year-old man in the township.
“The national joint operational and intelligence structure is working around the clock to enhance operational capacity at provincial level in response to incidents I which people appear to be undermining the authority of the state including flouting the DMA regulations. The warning is issued to those circulating inflammatory messages inciting violence and lawlessness that they refrain doing so. The possibility of criminal charges being instituted against such persons can not be ruled out,” says Muridili.
In KwaZulu-Natal, where incidents of violent protests started on Friday, the number of arrests has increased to 37 so far.
Discussion on pro-Zuma protests with political analyst Sandile Swana: