Hawks Arrest Alleged July Unrest Instigators in KwaZulu-Natal, 20 People Nabbed Throughout The Country

• The Hawks are clamping down on those who allegedly sparked violence during the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng
• During the operation 20 suspects were netted throughout the country and they will appear in the Durban Central Magistrate's Court
• Police have also welcomed the successful conviction of two looters were who were sentenced to five years imprisonment

DURBAN - The Hawks have swooped down on several people who allegedly sparked violence during the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng last July. The operation continued in the area on Thursday, 11 August.

During the national operation, 20 people were arrested throughout KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, North West, Free State, Western Cape and the Northern Cape. The group appeared in the Durban Central Magistrate's Court, News24 reported.

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They face charges of conspiracy to commit public violence, incitement to commit public violence and incitement to commit arson. According to eNCA, the Hawks investigations are continuing, and more suspects are likely to be arrested.

NPA KZN Spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara told Briefly News that 22 suspects appeared in court and were granted bail of R3000 each. The matter was remanded to 26 August 2022 for further investigations.

The accused are Lwazi Devon Memela, Sibusiso Blessing Gwala, Gods Surprise Ntuli, Sanele Mhlongo, Zanele Bhengu, Malibongwe Mlamuli Khbheka, Sisanda Nomcebo Ntshona, Sfiso Artwell Sokhulu, Thobile Berryl Mfeka, Ntombizonke Zanele Msalela, Smangaliso Zwane, Mbongeni Cyril Mzimela, Sipho Stanley Tchezi, Nkanyiso Goodman Dlamini, Ncamisile Ndlovu, Sthembiso Phumlani Mthiyane, Sanele Zanele Masuku, Sandile Cebekhulu, Mduduzi Emmanuel Mkhize, Qedukazi Blessing Dladla, Mbongeni Mkhize and Lindokuhle Wiseman Shilenge.

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Meanwhile, two looters were successfully convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment. The pair were part of a large group that hurled rocks at police officers.

As a result, Sihle Jali and Sifiso Ngcobo were convicted and sentenced for public violence. The arrests were welcomed by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi who commended the police officers who were involved in the successful conviction.

He said the sentence warns criminals that while the wheels of justice may turn slowly, they cannot escape their day of reckoning, IOL reported.

South Africans react to the arrests:

Amukelani Floyd Nkuna said:

“Amandla, we see you HAWKS.”

Quinton Quakes Crawford commented:

“Were the Zuma twins arrested as well?”

Leonard Nyandoro Muzunze posted:

“Zuma is still enjoying his loot at Nkandla whilst some are dead some facing trial and some are unemployed.”

Bra Gonza added:

“So, Zuma’s kids are arrested, Duduzani and Duduzile.”

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July unrest: 1 year later the masterminds behind the riots in KZN and Gauteng are yet to be arrested

In a related matter, Briefly News also reported it has been a year since citizens in the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces looted shopping centres and destroyed infrastructure in what has been dubbed the July unrest.

On Friday, 8 July ministers in the security cluster addressed the media to speak about the developments in the arrests of the instigators of the riots and how they will prevent catastrophic events like the July unrest in future.

Source: Briefly News