Four Arrested As Anti-Immigration Protest Turns Tense In Johannesburg CBD

Four people have been arrested following anti-immigration protests in Johannesburg’s CBD on Friday, with police accusing the suspects of encouraging criminal activity. Gauteng police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni confirmed the arrests after officers fired rubber bullets to disperse protesters near the KwaMai-Mai precinct. Police remain on high alert despite the crowd dispersing.

Johannesburg CBD Protests Lead To Four Arrests

Mthombeni said the four suspects were believed to be among the leaders of the demonstration and face charges including inciting violence.

The group had marched from the Constitutional Court, chanting against foreign nationals and President Cyril Ramaphosa. Tensions escalated near KwaMai-Mai, where police moved to disperse the crowd.

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"We managed to crack the whip, arresting 4 people. As I’m speaking to you, they are behind our vans. What happened is that these individuals were clearly seen leading some crimes and leading other people to do so; I would say it’s an incitement of violence."

Tommy Mthombeni Warns Protesters Against Violence

The Johannesburg CBD protests prompted Mthombeni to warn demonstrators against breaking the law during public gatherings. He said police would take action against those involved in violence, looting or damage to property. Officers will remain on standby in case further protests occur.

“When we arrest these people, you’ll face the music alone. You might be 500 or a thousand people converging; ultimately, at the end of the day, you misbehave, you loot, you damage the properties of the city, I am saying that they are forewarned and they must not start with us,” said Mthombeni.

Johannesburg CBD Police Remain On High Alert

Police confirmed that the crowd had dispersed following the intervention, but officers continued monitoring the situation. Mthombeni said law enforcement would respond if further unrest broke out. The four suspects remain in police custody following their arrest.