Six arrested in Mpumalanga during June 30 demonstrations targeting undocumented foreign nationals

Six suspects were arrested in Mpumalanga during nationwide demonstrations on June 30 that targeted undocumented foreign nationals, according to IOL.

Where and why arrests were made

In separate incidents, three people were charged with public violence in Daggakraal after they were allegedly involved in blocking a road with burning tyres. Three other male suspects were arrested in Mashishing after they were allegedly found in possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, IOL reported.

Official response and statement

The arrests were confirmed in a joint statement by Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison Jackie Macie and Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, the report says.

Macie and Mkhwanazi commended residents for exercising their democratic right in a peaceful and orderly manner during the national protests. They said the majority of planned gatherings took place without incidents of violence, damage to property or disruption of essential services, and that law enforcement agencies responded swiftly to a few reported incidents.

Comments from authorities

“Your discipline has ensured that businesses remained open, roads stayed open and communities were safe.”

The joint statement quoted Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi expressing gratitude to residents for heeding the call to protest peacefully and within the law, and thanking security personnel who were called in to help maintain stability.

Macie said authorities were grateful to communities and organisers who respected the law and the rights of others, and urged residents to report anyone who might hijack demonstrations to break the law, IOL reported.

Context of the nationwide demonstrations

IOL reported that the arrests came amid nationwide demonstrations on June 30 calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. More than 20 civic groups participated in protests across all nine provinces, and organisers had set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to self-deport, the article says.

Ongoing deployment

Authorities said the security deployment in Mpumalanga will continue until it is deemed fit to withdraw, according to IOL.

According to IOL, these details reflect the province’s official account of the June 30 demonstrations and the arrests that followed.