A protester in camouflage takes part in an anti-immigrant demonstration. (Photo: Rodger Bosch/AFP)
The police have been put on heightened alert nationwide as tensions rise over possible violence during June 30’s planned large-scale protests against illegal immigrants.
On Monday, Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, together with Angie Motshekga, Minister of Defense and Military Veterans, as well as senior police officers, announced the government’s integrated operational plan for that date.
Cachalia assured the country that the government is ready to maintain peace, stability and the rule of law.
“The government has introduced extensive measures to ensure that the country remains safe. The police have increased their operational readiness in all nine provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces,” he said.
Cachalia also revealed that the operational plan will cost the police more than R600 million.
According to Cachalia, daily operational assessments will be conducted, while the security environment will be continuously monitored to respond quickly to any threats.
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A foreigner in Durban. (Photo: Rajesh Jantilal/AFP)
He emphasized that peaceful demonstrations remain a constitutional right, but that violence, intimidation, looting and the destruction of property will not be tolerated.
“However, criminality and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated.”
Cachalia further warned that the full force of the law will be used against offenders.
“To those who may be considering illegal action, our message is equally clear: The full force of the law will be applied decisively against anyone who tries to undermine safety, security and constitutional order.”
If the situation requires it, the police can also call on the support of the army to supplement police capacity.
Motshekga and Cachalia indicated that the necessary coordination mechanisms within the justice, crime prevention and security grouping are already in place to respond quickly and efficiently to any incident.
As part of the preparations, the government will also meet with premiers in all nine provinces this week to ensure a coordinated approach to stability and the continued delivery of essential services.
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Stock Photo (Photo: Shutterstock)
The announcement comes after increasing tension over planned marches on 30 June, as well as a series of incidents of political violence during last weekend’s voter registration.
According to Cachalia, 12 serious incidents have been reported nationwide, including four murders, five violations of the Electoral Act and three cases of public violence.
Six people were also arrested in connection with assault, malicious damage to property and public violence.
Among the murder incidents in Gauteng, there are cases where individuals are linked to the MK party, one in the Western Cape where a DA ward candidate was involved, and one in the Eastern Cape where an ANC ward councilor was killed.
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Cachalia strongly condemned political violence.
“Political violence has no place in our constitutional democracy. An attack on political representatives or supporters, regardless of party affiliation, is an attack on the democratic rights of all South Africans.”