South African police arrested more than 900 people during nationwide anti-immigration protests on Tuesday, with most demonstrations remaining peaceful despite isolated incidents of violence and looting, authorities said on Wednesday.
JOHANNESBURG, July 2 (Xinhua) — South African police arrested more than 900 people during nationwide anti-immigration protests on Tuesday, with most demonstrations remaining peaceful despite isolated incidents of violence and looting, authorities said on Wednesday.
Addressing a media briefing, Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosikili, who also serves as co-chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, said 120 protest marches were held across the country on Tuesday, with 108 proceeding peacefully while 12 required intervention by law enforcement following incidents of unrest.
“Some were arrested for public violence, some for harboring illegal immigrants, and business robbery at spaza shops,” Mosikili said.
Three suspects were arrested after allegedly opening fire on protesters in Johannesburg’s Hillbrow on Tuesday, injuring two people, including a 17-year-old, she said, adding that police seized two licensed firearms believed to have been used in the shooting, and the suspects are expected to face attempted murder charges.
Police also reported incidents of looting and arson targeting foreign-owned businesses in Alexandra township, north of Johannesburg, on Tuesday night. One person was killed during the unrest, and investigations are ongoing.
The demonstrations were organized by anti-immigration groups, including March and March, which had declared June 30 as a deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa.
The protests followed months of heightened tensions over illegal immigration, prompting authorities to deploy thousands of police officers nationwide to maintain public order. ■
Over 900 arrested during nationwide anti-immigration protests in S. Africa: police
