Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has vowed decisive action against those responsible for the torching of 24 vehicles during protests in Soweto and Durban linked to asylum seeker applications.
Ten vehicles were set alight in Soweto and another 14 in Durban during demonstrations outside Home Affairs offices assisting asylum seekers.
The unrest has also seen shops belonging to foreign nationals looted, while three foreign nationals have been arrested.
The protests are linked to claims that a recent Constitutional Court judgment on asylum applications grants undocumented foreign nationals blanket amnesty.
Responding to the incidents, Dimpane warned that police would pursue those involved in criminal activities, including arson, looting and attacks on people.
“The South African Police Service will not tolerate lawlessness. We will not allow violence, the torching of vehicles, destruction of property or attacks on people to continue,” she said.
Dimpane said those responsible would be identified and investigated, with arrests and prosecution to follow where sufficient evidence exists.
She emphasised that while people have the right to raise concerns and participate in protests, this does not give them the right to commit crimes.
“Legitimate grievances must be pursued through lawful and constitutional processes,” she said.
The police commissioner reiterated that law enforcement would act without fear or favour, warning that criminal acts would have consequences.
The protests come amid tensions surrounding the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on asylum applications, which has become a point of contention outside Home Affairs offices.
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