Investigations into July unrest ongoing
Of the 19 cases the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) was investigating and arrested suspects for, eight were people who were arrested on suspicion of incitement to commit public violence.
WHILE 19 suspects have been arrested for suspicion of incitement to commit public violence during the July unrest last year, a further 86 remain people of interest.
This was revealed on Friday last week by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) during a media briefing.
Between July 9 and July 18 last year, more than 354 people died when an unprecedented civil unrest engulfed KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng.
Defence Minister, Thandi Modise, said the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks continue to investigate the crimes committed during this period.
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“They are building cases against those who were arrested as a result of the July 2021 unrest. To this end, more than 8 000 incidents were reported to the police, and at least 5 000 people were arrested.”
Modise said cases under investigation include: incitement to commit public violence, murder, attempted murder, arson, malicious damage to property, possession of suspected stolen property, damage to infrastructure and culpable homicide.
“More than 3 300 cases have thus far been finalised through non-prosecution, with some being withdrawn in or before court. Over 2 900 cases were closed as undetected or unfounded,” she said.
Of the 19 cases the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) was investigating and arrested suspects for, eight were people who were arrested on suspicion of incitement to commit public violence.
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“The investigation of about 2 200 cases is concluded pending a decision on the viability of the prosecution of the cases. A number of dockets have been referred to the Directors of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision, further guidance and direction on the matter. Over 2 435 cases are on the court roll with over 50 cases finalised with a guilty verdict,” she said.
