City: Several arrested for crimes against foreign-owned businesses

The City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate has confirmed that several arrests were made following isolated criminal incidents during the 30 June anti-illegal immigration shutdown on Tuesday.

Enforcement services were reportedly called out to respond to several acts of crime against foreign-owned businesses in some parts of the city, including Delft, Gugulethu, Hanover Park and Mfuleni.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, says these were isolated incidents, and following a swift response from enforcement agencies, at least 13 arrests were made for public violence and malicious damage to property.

Smith added that there were no significant incidents reported in Cape Town overnight on Tuesday, linked to the anti-illegal immigration shutdown.

The City previously indicated that the marches that did occur were small and went off largely without incident.

Smith has thanked the Safety and Security Directorate for its coordination of the City’s response to any threats linked to the planned protests.

“A special word of thanks also to the other City departments and external partners like SAPS, EMS, the SPCA and GABS who were part of our Disaster Coordinating Team, and our Neighbourhood Watch partners and residents for being our eyes and ears on the ground.”

The City’s enforcement and emergency services will reportedly continue to monitor for any xenophobic threats as part of our public safety monitoring and response.

“And, to reiterate – peaceful protest on any issue is a constitutionally protected right, but we will not tolerate any unlawful acts that violate the rights of others.”