Government says army is on standby to maintain law and order
The measures come as authorities seek to manage tensions linked to concerns over undocumented foreign nationals in several parts of the country.
Government says security forces are on full operational readiness ahead of the anti-illegal immigration protests planned for June 30, with police finalising operational plans and strengthening co-ordination with the Defence Ministry to maintain law and order.
The measures come as authorities seek to manage tensions linked to concerns over undocumented foreign nationals in several parts of the country.
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Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, following a high-level security briefing with South African Police Service (SAPS) management on Saturday, said authorities were prepared to respond to any incidents of violence or criminal activity.
“The SAPS is operationally prepared to uphold and enforce the law,” he said.
Cachalia also warned that the carrying of dangerous weapons, including traditional weapons outside the limits permitted by law, would not be allowed during demonstrations.
While emphasising that the constitutional right to peaceful protest would be respected, he said law enforcement agencies would act firmly against criminal conduct.
“No acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation or criminality will be tolerated,” he said.
Senior police leadership, including deputy national commissioners, provincial commissioners and divisional commissioners responsible for operational and intelligence functions, attended Saturday’s meeting.
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In an effort to strengthen coordination ahead of the demonstrations, Cachalia and deputy police ministers are expected to meet Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, provincial premiers and representatives of the private security industry in the coming days.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said government had systems in place to ensure the safety of both South Africans and immigrants.
“Our work is tough and cut out for us, but we are going to continue ensuring that we bring about law and order in our country,” he said.
Ramaphosa said South Africans protesting against the influx of undocumented foreign nationals were raising “legitimate concerns”, but condemned those using the situation to commit acts of violence.
“We regret the injuries and the death of those who have been caught up in the situation,” he said.
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Given that government was already addressing concerns surrounding undocumented foreign nationals, Ramaphosa said it had become “unnecessary” for the protests to proceed on June 30.
In KwaZulu-Natal, more than 10 000 Malawians have sought shelter at a transit camp in Sherwood, about 3,7 kilometres from Durban’s CBD.
In Pietermaritzburg, scores of Malawians who fled the Jika Joe informal settlement after one of their compatriots was killed are living in an abandoned building in the city.
The displaced immigrants are being assisted by the Department of Home Affairs, municipalities and provincial departments, including health and social development.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli said while the provincial government opposed illegal immigration, intimidation of foreign nationals and the looting of foreign-national-owned shops would not be tolerated.
Ntuli condemned the killing of a Malawian national in the Jika Joe informal settlement.
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While citizens have a constitutional right to raise concerns and participate in peaceful demonstrations, no grievance, frustration or disagreement can ever justify acts of violence, vigilantism, mob justice or the targeting of any individual or group.
“Criminality must never be allowed to masquerade as activism or community action,” he said.