KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested five suspects, aged between 14 and 27, in connection with the burglary of a foreign-owned tuck shop in Hammarsdale, west of Durban.
The arrests were made in the early hours of Tuesday after police responded to reports of a group allegedly breaking into businesses in the Woody Glen area.
KwaZulu-Natal SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers swiftly responded to the incident, leading to the arrest of all five suspects.
"One suspect was found inside the tuck shop and arrested, while the other four were cornered and apprehended as they attempted to flee the scene," Netshiunda said.
The suspects are expected to face charges of malicious damage to property and business burglary. Police said they are currently being processed and will appear in court soon.
The arrests come as police maintain heightened security across the province during planned anti-illegal immigration demonstrations.
Authorities have reiterated their call for protesters to remain peaceful and to refrain from engaging in violence, intimidation or any form of criminal activity.
Police said while officers have been deployed to protect the constitutional right to peaceful protest, they will also enforce the law and act decisively against anyone found committing criminal offences.
"No acts of lawlessness will be tolerated," police warned, adding that anyone involved in criminal activity during the demonstrations will be arrested and prosecuted.