While 86 individuals are still persons of interest, 19 suspects have been detained on charges of inciting public violence during the disturbances in July 2021.
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) stated this on Friday during a media conference update on government initiatives regarding the events of last July.
Over 354 people died between July 9 and July 18 of last year during the extraordinary civil disturbances that swept KwaZulu-Natal and portions of Gauteng.
In a statement read on behalf of the Cluster, Defence Minister Thandi Modise stated that the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks are still investigating the offences committed during this time period.
“[They are] building cases against those who were arrested as a result of the July 2021 unrest. To this end, over 8 000 incidents were reported to the police and at least 5 000 people were arrested.”
According to her, cases under investigation include inciting acts of public violence, homicide, attempted homicide, arson, malicious property damage, possession of allegedly stolen goods, infrastructure damage, 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“More than 3 300 cases have thus far been finalised through non-prosecution, with some being withdrawn in or before court.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.
Eight of the 19 cases that the DPCI was investigating into included persons who had been detained on suspicion of inciting public violence.
“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.
The South African Police Service (SAPS)
As a result of the unrest in July 2021, SAPS and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) are still working around the clock to investigate the crimes that were committed and establish cases against those who were detained. In order to do this, the police were notified of over 8000 incidents, and at least 5,000 persons were detained.
Phoenix
In Phoenix, a suburb of Durban, the Minister said that 164 cases had been investigated.
Of these, 120 are still being investigated, and 69 individuals have been taken into custody for different offences.
For their claimed participation in the deaths of 35 persons, a total of 36 of these suspects have been detained, while 31 others have been detained for attempted murder.
According to Modise, those who died as a result of the unrest were “precious lives lost,” not “mere numbers.”
“Our hearts go out to the families that lost their loved ones and to the thousands who were injured. It is in their memory and honour that we stand before you this morning, as JCPS Ministers, to make a solemn commitment that our country should not be subjected to the level of anarchy and destruction we witnessed last year.”