- According to NATJOINTS, there were 120 marches across the country. Of these, 108 were peaceful, and only 12 needed police intervention.
- More than 900 people were arrested during nationwide policing operations connected to the marches, as well as during routine law enforcement activities.
- March organisers say they will keep campaigning until the government addresses their concerns about border security and illegal immigration.
More than 900 people were arrested during anti-illegal immigration marches held across South Africa. While most demonstrations were peaceful, there were isolated incidents of looting, public violence, and other crimes.
During a media briefing, NATJOINTS convenor Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili said security forces protected the constitutional right to peaceful protest, while also responding quickly to criminal activity in some areas.
Most marches peaceful
Mosikili said there were 120 marches nationwide. Crowd management operations, including those related to demonstrations and overnight incidents, exceeded 300. Out of the 120 marches, 108 were peaceful, while only 12 needed police intervention.
She said that "the overwhelming majority of marches across the country were peaceful" and thanked organisers, community leaders, and South Africans for keeping the demonstrations lawful.
Mosikili said, “South Africans exercised their constitutional rights, and the overwhelming majority did so peacefully, responsibly, and within the law." She added that the demonstrations showed the growth and maturity of our Constitution.
The Eastern Cape had the most peaceful marches with 28, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 21. Gauteng and Limpopo each had 12 peaceful demonstrations, while other provinces had fewer. Of the 12 unrest-related incidents nationwide, the Western Cape had four, which was the highest number.
Police contain isolated unrest
Although the overall security situation stayed stable, authorities confirmed that reinforcements were sent overnight to Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and the Western Cape after isolated incidents of looting and crime.
Mosikili said security agencies had prepared thoroughly for the demonstrations and carried out their plans carefully. She said some opportunistic criminals tried to take advantage of the protests but were identified and dealt with quickly by law enforcement. Police restored order in affected areas and continued to monitor hotspots to prevent more problems.
More than 900 arrested
Mosikili confirmed that more than 900 people were arrested during nationwide operations, both during the marches and as part of routine policing.
She said this number included arrests made during regular policing activities while officers were monitoring the marches.
Most of those arrested were illegal foreigners or suspects linked to looting. Other offences included public violence, incitement to commit violence, business robbery, attempted murder, harbouring illegal immigrants, breaking immigration laws, and firearm offences.
The Western Cape had 215 arrests, the Eastern Cape had 208, the Free State 182, KwaZulu-Natal 153, the North West 83, and Gauteng more than 82 arrests. Mosikili said law enforcement agencies are ready to respond to any criminal activity and will keep monitoring the situation.
Organisers vow to continue campaign
Meanwhile, march leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said the campaign would continue beyond Wednesday's demonstrations.
In a Facebook post, she wrote, "No rest until our demands are met. Secure our borders, remove all illegal immigrants, and bring the township economy back to South Africans."
Authorities thank South Africans
Mosikili thanked law enforcement agencies, security partners, march organisers, and communities for helping to keep public order throughout the country.
She said the cooperation between security agencies and organisers went a long way in preventing widespread unrest and making sure South Africans could safely exercise their constitutional rights.
NATJOINTS said law enforcement agencies are still on high alert and will keep monitoring the security situation across the country.
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