19 Arrested as Violent Protests Grip Durban; MTN8 Final Set to Proceed Under Heavy Security
A total of 19 suspects are now in custody following a wave of violent protests that engulfed Durban and its surrounding suburbs over the past 48 hours.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that fifteen suspects were arrested on Friday night, adding to the four individuals apprehended on Thursday.
The initial four suspects face serious charges of attempted murder and discharging a firearm in public.
The remaining 15 suspects, the majority of whom are students, face charges of public violence and malicious damage to property.
Authorities noted that further charges may be added as investigations continue.
The violence has left a trail of destruction across the metro, two houses were completely torched in the Umbilo area, several shops were damaged in and around the Durban central business district and suburbs and looting was reported at a number of the damaged businesses.
A joint task force consisting of intelligence officers and detectives is currently tracking down additional suspects responsible for burning vehicles and buildings.
More arrests are expected shortly, and the suspects are scheduled to appear in court soon.
In a concurrent statement, the KwaZulu-Natal police provincial leadership strongly dispelled rumours and misleading social media information suggesting that the highly anticipated MTN8 Cup Final between Orlando Pirates FC and Mamelodi Sundowns would be disrupted or postponed.
Management confirmed that the match will proceed exactly as planned.
“All roads leading to the stadium are open and will remain open,” the police statement reassured the public. Security forces have deployed comprehensive measures to guarantee the safety of spectators, match officials, and players.
SAPS issued a stern warning that any attempts to stage protests along the stadium routes or anywhere near the Moses Mabhida Stadium will be met with the full force of the law.
