Three suspects have been arrested after two people, including a 17-year-old teenager, were shot and injured during a protest in Hillbrow, Johannesburg earlier Tuesday.
According to police, the suspects opened fire on the victims during the march against undocumented foreign nationals in the area.
The exact circumstances leading up to the incident are still unclear at this stage.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili says, “It is alleged that the trio opened fire at protesters who were passing through the street, injuring two people. The protesters reportedly retaliated by torching the suspects’ vehicle.”
“The three suspects were arrested and two licensed firearms, believed to have been used in the incident, were seized for further investigation. They are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of attempted murder,” adds Muridili.
June 30 | March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma addresses the marchers
Meanwhile, police in KwaZulu-Natal say at least 10 people have been arrested for allegedly breaking-in and looting tuck shops in various parts of the province.
The arrests were made in Marianhill, Mountain Rise, Melmoth and Sydenham.
The suspects face charges including house robbery, theft, intimidation and assaulting police officers.
Several people are also accused of targeting tuck shops and homes belonging to foreign nationals.
Netshiunda says it is unfortunate that some people used what he described as a genuine cause to commit crime.
“We had warned them, that police will be out in full force to ensure that no lawlessness is tolerated. Ten of them will now face the wrath of the law. And we won’t make any example of them. We’ll just enforce the law and apply the law to the fullest, to tell them that stealing is a crime.”
“It doesn’t matter if you are doing it from which angle. As long as you commit crime, we deal with you accordingly, with the law,” explains Netshiunda.-Reporting by Gcinokuhle Malinga
June 30 | Update from KZN SAPS on protests
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