Cape Town remained largely operational during Tuesday’s anti-immigration protests, but police arrested 178 people across the city and surrounding areas.
According to Cape Argus, SAPS said the arrests included 165 undocumented people and 13 South Africans linked to looting and public violence-related offences. The protests formed part of wider demonstrations held across South Africa on 30 June 2026. AP reported that the national protests were largely peaceful, although isolated looting incidents led to arrests.
Delft Looting Arrests Confirmed
Police said 10 of the 13 South Africans arrested were detained in Delft after a shop was looted in Voorbrug.
SAPS spokesperson Wesley Twigg told Cape Argus that access was allegedly gained through the roof of the shop. He said one woman and nine men, aged between 18 and 45, were arrested and would appear in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court once charged.
The City of Cape Town also noted a few incidents in other areas, although officials said they were not necessarily linked to the shutdown threat. These included a small gathering in Bloekombos, Kraaifontein, a group on the Grand Parade, and an attempted shop-looting incident in Gugulethu.
Protesters Demand Employment Response
The Cape Town anti-immigration protests included groups such as March and March, Operation Dudula and the Labour and Civic Organisation, known as LACO.
LACO representative Sipho Mahilili said protesters wanted a response to a memorandum handed to the Western Cape Government on 11 June. The memorandum called for labour inspections at private businesses to check whether employees were legally allowed to work in South Africa.
Western Cape Director-General Dr HC Malila responded that the provincial government did not have the legal mandate to control hiring in private companies. He said employment contracts, labour compliance, deductions and union-related matters fall under the Department of Employment and Labour and the CCMA.
City Says Situation Stayed Under Control
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the City had not received a formal application for the CBD march.
SAPS spokesperson André Traut said police and law enforcement partners stayed on high alert at identified hotspots. “Police will continue to act decisively against any person involved in criminal conduct, violence, intimidation, looting or damage to property,” he said, according to Cape Argus.
The Guardian reported that police units were deployed across South African cities before the demonstrations, amid fears that the marches could turn violent.
Officials Appeal For Calm
Mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said roads were open and free-flowing, with no reported incidents linked to xenophobic violence.
He urged residents to report incidents and avoid spreading false information.
The Cape Town anti-immigration protests are expected to be followed by further mobilisation, after some organisers said they were unhappy with the provincial government’s response.