(Photo: SA Police)
Firoz Cachalia, Acting Minister of Police, met with the management of the police in Pretoria this week regarding the operational readiness in the run-up to the planned anti-immigration demonstration on 30 June.
Cachalia received detailed information on national and provincial operational plans aimed at ensuring that all demonstrations take place in a safe, protected and peaceful manner.
Brig. Athlenda Mathe, national spokesperson for the police, says Cachalia expressed his satisfaction with the measures introduced by the police.
According to Mathe, Cachalia will meet with the deputy ministers of police, the minister of defense and premiers of all nine provinces to strengthen effective coordination and monitoring between all relevant security players and to ensure adequate support before the planned protests.
In addition, they will also meet with representatives of the private security industry about their important role in strengthening the improvement of safety and security.
“The Ministry of Police will also make further visits to identified areas that have experienced increased levels of instability to determine operational readiness and strengthen policing,” says Mathe.
Firoz Cachalia, the Acting Minister of Police. (Photo: South African Police Service / Facebook).
Cachalia says that although the constitutional right to peaceful protest is respected, no acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation or criminality will be tolerated.
“Weekly operations continue to verify the legal status of foreign nationals in the country. These operations are aimed at ensuring that all foreign nationals living in South Africa are legally in the country and in possession of valid documents. Where violations of the law are identified, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law,” says Cachalia.
He also urged all provincial commissioners to enforce the law without fear or favor and to respond quickly and firmly to any acts of incitement, violence, intimidation or criminality.
“We can assure South Africans that their safety and security remains a priority and that the police remain fully committed to the protection of all people in the country and the upholding of the Constitution by maintaining law and order while protecting the rights of all.”
(Photo: Provided)
Daily operational monitoring and assessments will continue throughout the week to ensure stability across the country and to enable law enforcement agencies to respond quickly to any potential threats.
Maroela Media earlier reported that the uMkhonto weSizwe party (MKP) will participate in the anti-immigrant group March to March’s planned anti-immigration demonstration.
Former Pres. However, Jacob Zuma’s party undertakes to participate peacefully in the demonstration.
Sibonelo Nomvalo, the secretary general of the MKP, said this week that the purpose of the march is to convey the concerns of South Africans peacefully, and any acts of violence or looting will not be supported or approved by the MKP.