Police have arrested several people in connection with incidents of looting and attempted looting reported during Tuesday's nationwide protests, despite demonstrations remaining largely peaceful across South Africa.
Image: Itumeleng English/ ANA Studio
The Ministry of Police says the South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested several individuals linked to incidents of looting and attempted looting reported in parts of the country during the planned nationwide marches on Tuesday, June 30.
The ministry said policing operations had been effective, with demonstrations remaining largely peaceful despite the isolated criminal incidents.
Police remain on high alert, with heightened deployments across the country to protect the public, businesses and critical infrastructure while maintaining law and order.
Officers have been instructed to act swiftly against anyone involved in criminal activities, including looting, attempted looting, public violence, malicious damage to property, intimidation and other unlawful conduct.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia urged protesters to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and ensure demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful.
"We urge citizens to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful. Those who choose to exploit the marches to commit criminal acts will face the full might of the law. Police will continue to identify, arrest, and prosecute all those responsible for criminal conduct," Cachalia said.
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