Emily Mgidi
Nationwide marches took place across the country, with the majority of demonstrations conducted peacefully and within the confines of the law.
More than 900 arrests were effected during operations linked to the demonstrations, covering offences including public violence, looting and immigration-related crimes.
Deputy National Commissioner for Policing of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and NATJOINTS Chairperson, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, provided an overview of the national situation following the 30 June demonstrations.
She confirmed that the country remained relatively stable, with most South Africans exercising their constitutional rights peacefully and responsibly.
“South Africans exercised their constitutional rights, and the overwhelming majority did so peacefully, responsibly and within the confines of the law,” she said.
She acknowledged the role of march organisers and expressed appreciation for cooperation with law enforcement.
Mosikili confirmed that 120 marches took place nationwide, with 108 remaining peaceful and 12 requiring police intervention.
She said law enforcement acted against those who sought to exploit the situation.
“Those who sought to exploit yesterday’s demonstrations for criminal gain were identified, pursued and brought before the law,” she said.
She also confirmed one serious incident during the unrest, including a shooting in Hillbrow where two people were injured during protest-related violence.
Despite isolated incidents, she said the overall situation reflected stability and respect for the rule of law, with operations continuing as police monitor developments.
“We remain vigilant, we remain prepared, and we will continue to act decisively against anyone who threatens the safety, security and stability of our country,” she said.
She added that operations to ensure compliance with immigration laws would continue in collaboration with other government departments.
Anti-illegal immigration activist and leader of March and March Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma says the marches will continue despite government estimates that policing the demonstrations could cost around R600 million.
Her comments follow remarks by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia on the financial impact of the operations.
“I’m saying this: from now on, the government must be prepared to lose R600 million every Thursday because we will keep marching every Thursday until they act,” she said.
Jacinta also said the T-shirts worn by her and her husband were designed to honour people she believes have died due to illegal immigration, illegal mining and crimes linked to some foreign-owned spaza shops.
“Those who were asking about our T-shirts. It was made in memory of those who have lost their lives due to illegal immigrants in our country, foreigners running spaza shops under the pretence of being ‘refugees’, as well as zama zamas,” she said.
She rejected claims that the movement is externally funded.
“They are not our funders as you claim. We know all you want is to find fault, all day,” she said.
ActionSA President Herman Mashaba said he supports the movement.
“ActionSA stands in solidarity with March and March because they represent the lived experiences of the majority of South Africans,” said Mashaba.