By OBAKENG MAJE
12 October 2026 – The police have arrested 30 people in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng since Thursday as police intensify intelligence-led operations to maintain law and order and prevent disruptions to planned sporting events. The police said 25 people were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and five in Gauteng for offences including public violence, illegal gathering, obstruction and resisting arrest.
The national police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said those arrested include individuals identified as alleged ringleaders who reportedly threatened to disrupt planned football matches in Durban. Mathe said the SAPS 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. The police would act decisively and professionally, within the confines of the law, against anyone threatening public order.
“We would like to commend the SAPS members, Crime Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies, led by provincial commissioners, for their efforts to prevent violence and maintain stability under challenging circumstances,” she said.
The acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) and Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (PROVJOINTS) continue to coordinate intelligence-led operational responses. Dimpane said the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in KwaZulu-Natal forms part of broader stabilisation interventions undertaken in cooperation with the SAPS.
“The police remained on high alert across all provinces, with sporadic incidents reported in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Limpopo swiftly addressed through operational interventions.
“We reiterate that the Constitution protects the right of people to assemble, demonstrate and present their grievances peacefully. However, this right does not extend to intimidation, looting, malicious damage to property, public violence or obstruction of lawful activities.
“Such conduct constitutes criminality and the police will respond firmly and impartially in accordance with the law,” she said.
Dimpane also called on communities to cooperate with police, share information and refrain from participating in unlawful activities that could endanger lives and livelihoods. She reiterated that the priority remained preventing violence, protecting all people, maintaining peace and avoiding loss of life.
