South African police say they have arrested at least 62 people, as violent pro-Zuma protests continue in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Cape Town – At least 62 people have been arrested, as violent protests continue in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, police said on Sunday.
The protests were believed to be in connection with former South African president Jacob Zuma’s incarceration earlier this week.
Zuma was in jail as part of his 15-month sentence handed down by the Constitutional Court for contempt.
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Media reports on Sunday indicated that the demonstrations had resulted in over 30 trucks being torched and businesses looted. Major roads had also been barricaded.
Police spokesperson Brenda Muridili said a total of 62 suspects had been “arrested as police continue to respond to opportunistic criminality emanating from violent protests over the weekend in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng”.
#sapsHQ 62 Suspects arrested as police continues to respond to opportunistic criminality emanating from protests over the weekend in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.https://t.co/php5uObih0 pic.twitter.com/pcerzoA0YI
— SA Police Service ?? (@SAPoliceService) July 11, 2021
Muridili said police had since heightened visibility and remained on high alert, adding that a group of 800 people in Alexandra attacked the police, resulting in the shooting of officers who had now received medical attention. One of the officers remained in hospital but in a stable condition.
“In Alexandra, police arrested 18 suspects – 16 of them for public violence also linked to the shooting of a police officer who was rushed to hospital for urgent medical attention. Two other police officers sustained minor injuries.
The mobilization in Jozi is on another level?♂️ Now I see why it’s called the centre of a revolution.#GautengShutdown #KZNProtests #FreeZumaNow #ShutDownGauteng pic.twitter.com/IBFpVXD5Bu
— Moses Nkambako (@MosesNkambako) July 11, 2021
“The other two suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and malicious damage to property,” Muridili said.
Meanwhile, an investigation was under way to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting of a 40-year old man who was certified dead at a local clinic.
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Police have warned that criminal charges will be laid against people circulating messages with the intention of inciting violence.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Saturday issued a statement calling for calm. He urged the protesters to desist from undermining the rule of law and inflicting damage on the economy.
PRESIDENT URGES CALM, COMMENDS ARRESTS IN KWAZULU-NATAL
President @CyrilRamaphosa has called on communities in KwaZulu-Natal to desist from undermining the rule of
law and inflicting damage on the economy.— Presidency | South Africa ?? (@PresidencyZA) July 10, 2021
“The impact of public violence against the road freight industry and damage to freeways that serve as economic arteries will be felt also by the people organising and committing these crimes. The reasons allegedly advanced for the violence in KwaZulu-Natal cannot be used to legitimise vandalism and public violence,” Ramaphosa said.
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Picture: Getty Images
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
