‘There will be consequences’: Saps’ Dimpane warns after violent protests and vehicle torching [VIDEO]

As tensions escalated in Gauteng, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, the South African Police Service (Saps) has issued a strong warning: violent protests, arson, and looting under the guise of demonstration will no longer be tolerated. Communities were protesting against a Constitutional Court ruling that modified the asylum-seeker application process.

Violence erupted in Orlando West, Durban, and Gqeberha, with cars belonging to immigrants reportedly set ablaze in Orlando West. Police in Gqeberha used stun grenades to disperse locals. Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane declared that those responsible for the violence would be hunted down and prosecuted.

Dimpane emphasized that lawlessness will not be accepted, stating that Saps would not permit violence, arson, property destruction, or attacks on individuals. Ten vehicles were torched in Soweto and 14 in Durban, with police confirming that three foreign nationals had been arrested in KwaZulu-Natal. Dimpane clarified that while the right to protest exists, it does not condone criminal acts.

She urged residents to refrain from taking matters into their own hands and called upon community leaders, faith-based organizations, and civil society groups to prevent further violence.