SANDF deployed to KZN as 30 arrested amid protest unrest

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been deployed to KwaZulu-Natal as police intensify efforts to contain unrest, with 30 people arrested in the province and Gauteng since Thursday.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said 25 people were arrested in KZN and five in Gauteng for offences including public violence, illegal gathering, obstruction and resisting arrest.

ALSO READ | Man arrested over threats to shut down Moses Mabhida Stadium

Those arrested include individuals identified by police as ringleaders who allegedly threatened to disrupt planned football matches in Durban on Saturday.

Acting SAPS National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said police and other law enforcement agencies had taken decisive action to maintain law and order.

“The SAPS will not allow threats, intimidation or unlawful conduct to undermine public safety, disrupt sporting events or destabilise communities,” Dimpane said.

Our responsibility is to protect lives, safeguard property and uphold the rule of law. We will act decisively, professionally and within the confines of the law against anyone who threatens public order.

The SANDF deployment in KZN forms part of wider stabilisation efforts involving the police and the military, with national and provincial joint operational and intelligence structures coordinating responses.

ALSO READ | Students among 19 arrested as Durban protest violence escalates

Police on high alert across the country

Dimpane commended SAPS members, Crime Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies, led by provincial commissioners, for their efforts to prevent violence and maintain stability.

Police remain on high alert across all provinces, with sporadic incidents reported in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo swiftly addressed through operational interventions, according to SAPS.

Dimpane said authorities would continue to respond to threats to public safety while respecting the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

“The Constitution protects the right to assemble, demonstrate and present grievances peacefully,” she said.

However, this right does not extend to intimidation, looting, malicious damage to property, public violence or the obstruction of lawful activities. Such conduct constitutes criminality, and the police will respond firmly and impartially in accordance with the law.

ALSO READ | Communication breakdown contributed to unrest: Cachalia

She called on communities to work with police, share information and avoid participating in unlawful activities that endanger lives and livelihoods.

Dimpane said the priority remained preventing violence, protecting the public and maintaining peace while avoiding loss of life.