South Africa’s law enforcement agencies have elevated operational readiness across all nine provinces ahead of anticipated anti-migrant demonstrations on 30 June, with the government warning that violence and criminality will not be tolerated.
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia confirmed on Monday that SAPS has comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces, with the possibility of South African National Defence Force support if required.
“Everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law. However, criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated,” Cachalia said during a media briefing in Pretoria.
The announcement follows a meeting of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which reviewed integrated operational plans for the looming demonstrations.
Political violence mars voter registration weekend
The government’s security preparations come against the backdrop of recent political violence during the voter registration weekend, which saw 12 serious criminal incidents recorded nationally, including four murders.
Among those killed were two individuals linked to the MK Party in Gauteng, a Democratic Alliance ward candidate in the Western Cape and an African National Congress ward councillor in the Eastern Cape. Six arrests were made in connection with assault, malicious damage to property and public violence.
“We strongly condemn these acts of violence. Political violence has no place in our constitutional democracy,” Cachalia said, adding that an attack on political representatives or supporters, regardless of party affiliation, is an attack on the democratic rights of all South Africans.
The SAPS has mobilised resources to ensure those responsible for the killings are identified and arrested, with rewards being offered for information leading to arrests.
Daily monitoring and provincial coordination
Daily operational assessments and continuous monitoring of the security environment will be conducted to ensure law enforcement deployments remain responsive to emerging risks. The acting minister said he would engage with premiers across all provinces this week to ensure a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to maintaining peace and stability.
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On Tuesday, Cachalia will travel to Cape Town to monitor and assess operational preparedness on the ground. Over the weekend, he met with all provincial commissioners and divisional commissioners responsible for operational policing to review plans and assess readiness.
Traditional leadership pledges support for peace
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, led by Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, has also engaged with the leadership of the Zulu Royal House, led by Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi, to promote messages of peace, tolerance and non-violence.
“We acknowledge that many South Africans have genuine concerns about issues affecting our country. Government hears those concerns. However, those concerns must always be expressed lawfully, peacefully and without resorting to violence or intimidation,” Cachalia said.
The acting minister warned that the full might of the law would be brought to bear on anyone seeking to undermine the safety, security and constitutional order of the country.
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