The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, has strongly condemned the violence, looting and destruction of property linked to alleged anti-foreigner march in Northam, Waterberg District.
The incident occurred on Friday, 31 July 2026, while SAPS members were conducting a community awareness campaign at RDP Block 7. It is alleged that a group linked to the march attacked people attending the campaign, assaulted three community members and damaged two vehicles belonging to the Northam Station Commander and a foreign national shop owner.
The suspects allegedly proceeded to a foreign-owned spaza shop, where they looted groceries and other items, including a refrigerator, before setting the owner’s vehicle alight. Police investigations also linked the group to cases of theft, common assault and common robbery committed on 30 July 2026.
A multidisciplinary operation involving SAPS and other law enforcement partners resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects, aged between 21 and 45, on charges of public violence. A walking stick and a refrigerator were seized as part of the investigation.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Northam Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 03 August 2026.
Lieutenant General Scheepers said: “Criminal acts committed under the guise of community concerns or protest will not be tolerated. 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 are continuing, and more arrests may follow.
