Thirty people have been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng after protests linked to tensions surrounding South Africa’s asylum process. The arrests were made by authorities who are working to contain violence, apprehend perpetrators and restore stability in affected areas. Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili, co-chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints), said the arrests relate to offences including public violence, malicious damage to property, illegal gathering, obstruction and resisting arrest.
The protests have been linked to a directive issued on September 28 and signed by deputy director-general of home affairs Thulani Mavuso, instructing refugee reception offices to accept asylum applications from individuals, including those who entered South Africa illegally. This directive was part of a response to a July Constitutional Court judgment that declared key sections of the Refugees Act unconstitutional and invalid. However, the directive was withdrawn on Friday after a wave of violent anti-illegal immigrant protests and overwhelming queues at home affairs offices.
According to Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili, 25 suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and five in Gauteng since Thursday. Those arrested include individuals allegedly identified as ringleaders who threatened to disrupt planned sporting events in Durban. Mosikili warned that investigations into vehicle burnings, looting and attacks on businesses and homes are continuing, and those implicated will be pursued.
The authorities have deployed law enforcement agencies to contain threats and prevent further violence. The operations are not directed at any nationality or community but at criminal conduct. Mosikili stressed that every person in South Africa, regardless of nationality or background, is entitled to protection under the law and obliged to respect the rights of others and comply with the laws of the republic.
The incidents in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng involved the burning of vehicles, damage to buildings, looting and confrontations in communities. Mosikili said these acts are criminal and threaten lives, undermine livelihoods, disrupt essential services and erode the safety and stability of communities. The destruction of property and intimidation of individuals are not legitimate expressions of grievance.
The National Prosecuting Authority will exercise its prosecutorial mandate in accordance with the law, and the suspects will be processed through the criminal justice system. Mosikili called on communities, traditional and community leaders, business forums, community policing forums and civil society organisations to work with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information and discouraging conduct that could trigger further violence.
Despite threats to sporting events, planned football and cricket matches in KwaZulu-Natal proceeded without disruption. Mosikili confirmed that security monitoring continues beyond the conclusion of these events, and no group will be allowed to threaten sporting fixtures, obstruct lawful gatherings or dictate whether people may exercise their rights through intimidation and violence.
Key points
- Thirty people arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng amid protests linked to asylum process
- Protests linked to directive instructing refugee reception offices to accept asylum applications from individuals who entered South Africa illegally
- Authorities warn that investigations into vehicle burnings, looting and attacks on businesses and homes are continuing
