Police in KwaZulu-Natal are questioning about 80 people following a violent anti-illegal immigration protest in Kranskop, near Greytown.
The protest turned chaotic on Wednesday when demonstrators allegedly looted several shops and assaulted three foreign nationals.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said two of the alleged victims were receiving medical treatment, while the whereabouts of the third victim remain unknown.
Police believe the group of approximately 80 protesters boarded a bus heading towards Greytown after the violence. The vehicle was intercepted by officers on the R74, and those on board were taken to a local South African Police Service station for questioning.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the three injured foreign nationals may be in South Africa legally. However, their immigration status still needs to be verified by the Department of Home Affairs.
Police are also investigating allegations that one of the victims was robbed of an undisclosed amount of money during the attack.
Netshiunda condemned the violence and reminded members of the public that protests must be conducted within the law.
“Police are reiterating the call that those who want to march for any cause must do so within the ambit of the law and that they must not take the law into their own hands,” he said.
He added that members of the public are not permitted to conduct door-to-door operations, stop-and-searches or arrests.
“Only law enforcement officers can conduct stop and searches and effect arrests in relation to any kind of crime,” Netshiunda said.
Police said they would continue engaging with protesters who comply with the law and cooperate with law enforcement authorities.