Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, has commended police officers and other law enforcement agencies for decisive, intelligence-led interventions to maintain law and order, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
During police operations, 30 people have been arrested since last Thursday.
Of the 30 arrests, 25 arrests were made in KwaZulu-Natal and five in Gauteng for offences including public violence, illegal gathering, obstruction and resisting arrest.
Those arrested include individuals identified as ringleaders, who allegedly threatened to disrupt planned football matches in Durban.
“The SAPS [South African Police Service] will not allow threats, intimidation or unlawful conduct to undermine public safety, disrupt sporting events or destabilise communities. 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,” Dimpane said.
Dimpane commended members of the SAPS, Crime Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies, led by Provincial Commissioners, for their tireless efforts to prevent violence and maintain stability under challenging circumstances.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) and Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (PROVJOINTS) continue to coordinate effective, efficient and intelligence-led operational responses.
The deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in KwaZulu-Natal forms part of the broader stabilisation interventions undertaken through cooperation between the SAPS and the SANDF.
Police remain on high alert across all provinces. Sporadic incidents reported in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo were swiftly addressed through operational interventions.
“The Constitution protects the right to assemble, demonstrate and present grievances peacefully. 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,”Dimpane warned.
She further called on communities to work with the police, share information and refrain from participating in unlawful activities that endanger lives and livelihoods.
The Acting National Commissioner reiterated that the priority remains the prevention of violence and the protection of all people, with every effort directed at maintaining peace and avoiding loss of life. – SAnews.gov.za
