News: Alleged July unrests public violence instigators arrested

2022/08/11

PRETORIA – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has made a significant inroads in probing alleged instigators in the incitement of public violence through social media and other platforms during the period of unrests in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and other parts of the county.

The ongoing prosecution guided investigation resulted in the arrest of 20 people of interests on the 11 August 2022.

Joint police teams were mobilised to execute simultaneous arrests in various areas so as to secure court attendance of persons of interest, spread-out in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, North West, Free State, Western Cape and Northern Cape Provinces.

This multidisciplinary team includes the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI), Serious Corruption Investigation (SCI), Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI), Digital Forensic Investigation (DFI), Priority Crime Management Centre (PCMC) of the Hawks, Crime Intelligence (CI), National Intervention Unit (NIU), Public Order Policing (POP), Tactical Response Team (TRT) as well as Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) members.

The twenty (20) arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Durban Central Magistrate’s Court on Friday 12 August 2022 on charges ranging from conspiracy to commit public violence, incitement to commit public violence and incitement to commit arson.

Investigation continues and more arrests are imminent.

The National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General (Adv./Dr.) Godfrey Lebeya hailed the investigation and prosecution team for their meticulous work and assured the South African citizens that the team under his command will continue to work without fear, favour nor prejudice.    

Statement issued by Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS), 11 August 2022