NATIONAL NEWS - As concerns grow over the anti-illegal immigration protest planned for next Tuesday (June 30), government has reassured South Africans that law enforcement agencies are prepared to maintain peace, stability and public order.
The protest is expected to be led by March and March, a citizen-led movement calling for stronger action against undocumented immigration.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said government is prepared to maintain peace, stability and the rule of law.
“We would like to assure you that government has taken extensive measures to ensure that the country remains safe and secure.
The SAPS has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces,” he explained.
Criminality and violence
Outlining the plan, Cachalia said there will be daily operational assessments, briefings and continuous monitoring of the security environment to ensure deployments remain responsive to any emerging risks.
According to him, the briefings will allow law enforcement agencies to adjust operational plans where necessary and ensure that adequate resources are deployed at all times.
While SAPS will be responsible for maintaining public order, it may call on the SANDF should additional assistance be required.
Cachalia said the necessary co-ordination mechanisms within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster are in place to respond to any eventuality.
“Our message is clear: 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. The rule of law will prevail,” he added.
Peace
He will this week meet with premiers across all nine provinces to ensure peace and stability is maintained as well as the uninterrupted functioning of essential services.
Cachalia has already met with provincial and divisional commissioners responsible for operational policing to review plans, assess readiness and ensure every province is fully prepared.
The JCPS Cluster, led by Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, has engaged with the leadership of the Zulu Royal House in KZN, headed by Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi, as part of efforts to encourage peace, tolerance and non-violence.
Lawlessness
“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.
He reiterated that government is prepared.
“Our law enforcement agencies are co-ordinated, our operational plans are in place and we will continue to monitor the situation daily. We call on every South African to reject violence, uphold the rule of law and work with law enforcement in maintaining peace and stability.”
He warned that anyone contemplating acts of lawlessness would face the consequences.
“The full might of the law will be brought to bear on anyone who seeks to undermine the safety, security and constitutional order of our Republic,” he concluded.
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