The mayor of the Mangaung Metro Gregory Nthatisi called on the community for calm and restoriation fo public order after disruptions earlier today.

Nthatisi said he noted with serious concern the ongoing disruptions in parts of Bloemfontein and Botshabelo associated with protest actions relating to issues involving foreign nationals and taxi operators.

Lt. Col Thabo Covane, spokesperson of the SAPS, said 142 people were arrested following sporadic incidents of public violence, looting and malicious damage to property. The criminal activities were triggered by voice recordings and digital posters circulating on social media platforms, which called for a “total shutdown.”

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Covane said opportunistic groups utilized these messages to target local businesses and tuckshops.

“The Municipality is aware of challenges of service delivery as they relate to amongst others, state of our roads, housing and land allocation which continue to affect our people. All these issues are receiving the necessary interventions,” Nthatisi said in a news release on Monday afternoon.

“Whilst we recognise that communities may hold genuine concerns relating to unemployment, crime, illegal business practices, pressure on public services, and broader socio-economic frustrations, the MMM wishes to state unequivocally that no grievance, irrespective of its nature, justifies lawlessness, violence, looting, intimidation, destruction of property, or the disruption of schooling and essential public services.

“The acts of criminality currently being witnessed undermine the rule of law, threaten community safety, damage investor confidence, and further weaken local economic activity at a time when our municipality is working tirelessly to stabilise service delivery, attract investment, and rebuild public trust in local government institutions.”

He said of particular concern is the disruption of schools, municipal operations, and economic activity. “The interruption of education compromises the future of our children, while attacks on businesses and infrastructure ultimately harm the very communities from which these actions emerge. Working-class communities suffer the most when local economies are destabilised and public infrastructure is destroyed.

“We therefore call upon all residents to exercise restraint, remain calm, and reject any form of vigilantism, xenophobia, collective punishment, or mob justice. South Africa remains a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law. Matters relating to immigration enforcement, criminal conduct, and business compliance fall within the framework of national legislation and must be dealt with through lawful state institutions and coordinated intergovernmental processes.”

The Office of the Executive Mayor emphasised that its doors remain open for constructive engagement with communities, civic formations, business stakeholders, and all affected parties. “We encourage lawful and peaceful engagement through recognised democratic and intergovernmental channels rather than through confrontation, destruction, and disruption.”

Nthatisi said sustainable solutions can only emerge through dialogue, cooperation, and respect for the rule of law.

“We further call upon law enforcement agencies to act decisively, fairly, and within the confines of the law to restore stability, protect lives and property, and ensure that those responsible for acts of violence, looting, intimidation, and destruction are held accountable irrespective of their identity or nationality.

The Municipality is engaging relevant stakeholders and law enforcement authorities to monitor developments closely and to ensure that essential municipal services continue with minimal to no disruption.

“We appeal to all community leaders, political formations, civil society organisations, religious leaders, and residents to work together in defence of peace, order, and social cohesion.”