KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli commends law enforcement for their swift action following a tuck shop break-in amid anti-immigration protests.
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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has commended law enforcement agencies for the swift arrest of five suspects accused of breaking into a tuck shop in Woody Glen, near Hammarsdale, as authorities remain on high alert during nationwide anti-illegal immigration demonstrations on Tuesday.
The arrests come as government intensifies security operations across the province amid concerns that peaceful protests could be exploited by criminals to commit acts of looting and vandalism.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ntuli praised police and security personnel for their rapid response to the incident and reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to maintaining law and order.
“The arrest in Woody Glen is a stern warning to everyone that we will not tolerate any acts of criminality. We cannot and will not allow anarchy and lawlessness to be the order of the day,” said Ntuli.
The premier said law enforcement agencies, private security companies and community safety structures would continue monitoring the area and other parts of the province throughout the day and beyond to prevent further incidents.
Authorities have deployed extensive security measures as communities across South Africa participate in marches calling for stronger action against illegal immigration.
While acknowledging citizens' constitutional right to protest, Ntuli urged demonstrators to remain within the bounds of the law.
“We acknowledge and respect that civil society has the right to protest and voice their concerns. However, we urge all those participating in today's marches against illegal immigration to do so within the prescript of the law,” he said.
To coordinate the province's response, the KwaZulu-Natal government has established a rapid-response nerve centre in Durban as well as operational centres in all district municipalities to ensure swift intervention in the event of unrest or criminal activity.
The provincial government has also deployed Members of the Executive Council across the province's districts to work alongside local leadership and security structures.
Ntuli said the visibility of government and security personnel would continue beyond Tuesday's demonstrations.
“We are committed to maintaining this collective visibility in all areas today and beyond in order to make a strong statement about respecting the rule of law in KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.
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