Siphelele Nketo
THE Eastern Cape leg of demonstrations against illegal foreigners led to the arrest of 229 people from 28 marches that took place across the province.
According to police, the arrests consisted of 208 undocumented foreign nationals and 21 criminal arrests related to the protests. Marches were observed in Mbizana, Lusikisiki, Flagstaff and Mthatha with peaceful gatherings under the watchful eye of law enforcement.
“The province remains largely calm and stable, with SAPS maintaining a strong visible presence across all districts. Pockets of volatility were observed in KwaNompumelelo, Ducats, Duncan Village, Mbizana and Lusikisiki. However, police responded swiftly, and successfully contained the situation. These areas continue to be closely monitored,” said police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana.
In the Alfred Nzo district, police arrested seven people, five in the Amathole district, eight in Buffalo City, and one person was arrested in Sarah Baartman.
These arrests include six suspects in Bhisho for looting two spaza shops.
In Ntabankulu, six suspects were arrested for looting a foreign-owned shop. Two other suspects were arrested in Stutterheim for looting a spaza shop as well.
Another suspect was arrested in Alexandria for incitement to commit violence.
Gantana further explained that additional protest-related incidents in Qonce and Kabega Park remain under investigation.
“Other notable arrests include three suspects in Humewood for fraud, possession of counterfeit goods, and abetting foreign nationals, with items confiscated including a laptop, printer, computer tower, counterfeit soccer jerseys and R70,300 in cash,” she added.
The 76 undocumented foreign nationals were detained for fraudulent documentation, while two suspects were arrested in Kwadwesi for attempted robbery. Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata started the day with a morning parade in KuGompo and later conducted an aerial patrol across the Buffalo City district to monitor the situation from the air.
