Umamah Bakharia 

It has been one year since South Africa witnessed events that mainly affected KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng which cost the economy over R70 billion. In August 2021, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed an expert panel to review the country’s response and weaknesses in responding to the crisis.

Giving an update on the findings of the July unrest, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster says 8 people are being investigated by the Hawks on suspicion of incitement to commit public violence.

Reading out the statement by the cluster, Defence Minister Thandi Modise says the government is determined “never to allow the tragic episode” which shook the country in 2021.

Modise adds that the SAPS and the Hawks are “working around the clock to investigate crimes committed and to build cases against those who were arrested”.

So far, 8 000 cases were reported to the police as a result of the unrest and at least 5 000 people were arrested.

This comes as a protest action against the rising fuel costs that have begun in Mpumalanga where main roads have been blocked. Despite the lack of control of the protest, Modise says the South African National Defence Force (Sandf) is on standby to support law enforcement agencies to deal with any threat to security and the stability of the country.