South Africa: Police Deployed to Restore and Maintain Law and Order in Mossel Bay

Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane says the South African Police Service has deployed the necessary resources while also intensifying operations to restore and maintain law and order in Mossel Bay and other parts of the country.

This comes after the murder of Nhlamulo Sambo who initial reports claimed that he was targeted during protests against illegal migration.

However, police have confirmed that there is no evidence linking his death to tribalism, xenophobia, anti-immigration protests, or his identity as a Tsonga-speaking South African.

"We are actively investigating all criminal acts related to these incidents, and those responsible will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts."

Speaking at a National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) media briefing held in Mossel Bay in the Western Cape on Wednesday, Dimpane urged everyone in the country to respect the laws of the country and that if they choose to march, they should do so peacefully, lawfully and with respect for the rights of others.

"No grievance, no matter how strongly felt, justifies violence, intimidation, assault, the destruction of property, looting, or threats against any person or community. We cannot allow criminal elements to hijack legitimate concerns and turn them into acts of lawlessness," Dimpane said.

Dimpane said the NATJOINTS will provide a comprehensive update on the security situation, ongoing interventions, operational deployments and measures being implemented to safeguard all people living in South Africa.

Also speaking at the briefing was NATJOINTS Chairperson, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, who assured the people of South Africa that government remains firmly in control of the security environment.

"Through NATJOINTS, all law enforcement, intelligence and security structures are working in a coordinated manner to maintain public order, protect lives and property, uphold the Constitution, and enforce the laws of the Republic without fear, favour or prejudice," she said.

Mosikili said South Africa is governed by the Constitution and the rule of law, not by intimidation, violence, ultimatums, or mob justice.

"Therefore, no individual, movement, organisation or grouping has the authority to take the law into its own hands, conduct unlawful operations, intimidate communities, target individuals based on their nationality or seek to enforce immigration laws outside the framework of the law.

"The responsibility for maintaining public order, combating crime and enforcing immigration legislation rests exclusively