Image: Replica firearm with a holster recovered by police
Fourteen people were arrested following unrest during a march in Middelburg on Tuesday, June 9, including a suspect accused of assaulting a senior police officer and 12 undocumented foreign nationals.
According to SAPS, approximately 2 000 people participated in the march, which was monitored by police and other law enforcement agencies.
Authorities allege that some protesters became unruly during the afternoon, with a group reportedly entering a residential complex and conducting searches. During the incident, a SAPS lieutenant colonel was allegedly assaulted while attempting to maintain order. A 31-year-old suspect was subsequently arrested and is expected to face a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Police also arrested another suspect in connection with alleged looting during the protest.
During operations conducted alongside the Department of Home Affairs, 39 foreign nationals were processed. Twenty-seven were verified and released, while 12 were arrested and charged under the Immigration Act after allegedly being found without valid documentation.
Image: 64 grams of suspected drugs seized by police
Police further recovered approximately 64 grams of suspected drugs, six cellphones, a Lenovo laptop, a replica firearm with a holster, and other items believed to have been stolen. Some recovered property was returned to its lawful owners.
All arrested suspects were expected to appear before the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, June 11. The theft suspect remains under police guard in hospital after reportedly sustaining injuries.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi condemned the attack on the police officer and warned that violence and lawlessness would not be tolerated.
“People have the right to protest; however, this should be done within the ambit of the law,” he said.