Attacks on police by foreigners and the seizure of 'counterfeit' goods: A timeline

The inner city of Johannesburg spiralled into chaos last week when police officers clashed with shop owners whose allegedly fake goods they had seized. Authorities and the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) have condemned the attacks.

Here's a timeline of events:

Confiscation attempts lead to chaos

On Thursday, members of the SA Police Service and metro police embarked on a mission to confiscate "fake" goods sold by foreigners in the city centre. The shop owners resisted by attacking officers and damaging their vehicles. 

Traffic was disrupted and motorists had to use alternative routes. Videos of angry shop owners throwing rocks at police circulated on social media platforms, sparking a public outcry about lawlessness in the country. 

SAHRC and JCPS condemn attacks on police

The SAHRC on Friday released a statement in which it said the attacks on police undermined the constitution and urged members of the public to abide by the law.

"All inhabitants of the republic must abide by the laws of the country without exception and allow law enforcement officials to conduct their duties without hindrance," the statement said.

Tina Joemat-Pettersson, chairperson of the portfolio committee on police, also condemned the attacks, saying they were "unacceptable". She urged officials to return to the city centre and finish their mandated tasks. 

The state justice, crime prevention and security (JCPS) cluster said the government took attacks on its members seriously and considered them attacks on the state. It condemned vandalism and the destruction of property.  

Mashaba, Makhura call for arrests

Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba and Gauteng premier David Makhura said the behaviour demonstrated would not be tolerated.

Makhura, on Twitter, alleged the shop owners were not only selling fake goods, but had also hijacked the city's buildings and, therefore, had to face the law.

Mashaba shared a picture of an SA Revenue Service (Sars) official who was attacked during the protests, and asked why no arrests had been made. 

Police retreat to avoid bloodbath

Gauteng police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters said police officials withdrew from the confrontation as their continued presence could have resulted in injuries and deaths. "Due to the volatility of the situation, police retreated to avoid a situation where they would be forced to use live ammunition."