Soweto:The National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, assured the public that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is fully equipped to handle any incidents of violence or criminality. Public Order Police deployments have been strengthened in areas experiencing protests and potential unrest.
According to South African Government News Agency, recent protests in Soweto and Durban have resulted in the torching of ten cars in Soweto and 14 in Durban. These incidents occurred outside Home Affairs offices aiding asylum seekers. During the unrest, three foreign nationals were arrested, and shops owned by foreign nationals were looted.
The protests are reportedly linked to claims that a recent Constitutional Court ruling on asylum applications grants undocumented foreign nationals a blanket amnesty. Commissioner Dimpane emphasized that violence, property destruction, and attacks will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be pursued and held accountable.
Dimpane stressed that expressing legitimate grievances should be done through lawful means. She highlighted that SAPS is committed to protecting the public, safeguarding property, and enforcing the law. The police commissioner was in Soweto addressing the unrest and stated that the implications of the Constitutional Court ruling require a government response through appropriate legal channels.
In response to the unrest, the Divisional Commissioner for Intelligence has been instructed to enhance intelligence gathering to identify emerging threats and ensure effective police response. Dimpane reiterated the importance of maintaining public order and ensuring community safety while allowing concerns to be expressed legally.