South African police said those arrested were detained for harboring illegal immigrants and committing offenses of violence and looting.
By Catholics for Catholics
South African authorities arrested more than 900 people during national anti-migrant protests on Tuesday that were mostly peaceful but sometimes turned violent, with shops being looted, police said on Wednesday.
Of the 120 marches, 108 were peaceful while policed had to intervene in 12 of them, said Tebello Mosikili, deputy national police commissioner, adding that the apprehensions ranged from immigration violations to public violence, harboring undocumented migrants and robbery, according to a story by The Epoch Times.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) thanked most of those who took part in the marches, and their leaders for abiding by the law.
“While the vast majority of demonstrations remained peaceful, there were individuals who sought to exploit yesterday’s events to commit criminal acts,” Mosikili said.
“Unfortunately for them, they quickly discovered that law enforcement was on their heels and ready to act decisively.
More than 900 people were arrested during nationwide anti-migrant protests in South Africa, where most demonstrations were peaceful but some turned violent and led to looting, police said. pic.twitter.com/fXtKKTkL2y
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) July 1, 2026
“Our members responded swiftly wherever incidents of looting, robbery, public violence and other criminal activities emerged.”
Nevertheless, police said one person was shot dead late on June 30 in Alexandra township, near Johannesburg. The incident took place where residents were looting informal convenience stores known as spaza shops, which are often run by foreigners.
Three groups—Operation Dudula, Progressive Forces, and March and March—are at the forefront of the campaign against illegal immigration.
Ngizwe Mchunu, one of the protest leaders, said illegal immigrants were responsible for the proliferation of illicit drugs in South Africa.
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