LIMPOPO — Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, has strongly condemned a recent wave of violence, looting, and property destruction linked to an alleged anti-foreigner march in Northam, Waterberg District. Following a swift multidisciplinary law enforcement operation, 16 suspects have been arrested on charges of public violence in connection with the unrest.
The incident unfolded on Friday, 31 July 2026, while South African Police Service (SAPS) members were conducting a community awareness campaign at RDP Block 7. According to police reports, a group associated with the march attacked individuals attending the campaign, assaulted three community members, and damaged two vehicles belonging to the Northam Station Commander and a foreign national shop owner.
The group allegedly then proceeded to a foreign-owned spaza shop, where they looted groceries and other goods, including a refrigerator, before setting the owner’s vehicle alight. Subsequent police investigations have also linked this group to separate incidents of theft, common assault, and common robbery that occurred on 30 July 2026.
In response to the escalating unrest, a coordinated operation involving SAPS and other law enforcement partners was launched. This effort resulted in the apprehension of 16 suspects, ranging in age from 21 to 45. During the operation, authorities seized a walking stick and a refrigerator as critical evidence for the ongoing investigation.
The arrested individuals are scheduled to appear before the Northam Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 03 August 2026, to face charges of public violence.
Addressing the incidents, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers issued a firm warning against using protests as a cover for criminal activity. “Criminal acts committed under the guise of community concerns or protest will not be tolerated,” Lieutenant General Scheepers stated. “Those responsible for violence, looting and intimidation will face the full might of the law. We urge communities to raise their concerns peacefully and allow the police to deal with criminality within the confines of the law.”
Police investigations remain active, and authorities have indicated that further arrests may follow as the probe into the coordinated attacks continues.
