South African security authorities warn protesters over xenophobic violence

Africa, Crime Diary

PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — The South African Police Service National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has warned individuals and groups participating in protests across the country to conduct themselves peacefully and within the confines of the law amid rising tensions linked to xenophobic violence.

The security warning comes following renewed attacks and killings of foreign African nationals in parts of South Africa, with disturbing videos circulating on social media attracting international condemnation.

In a statement, NATJOINTS stressed that while the South African Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, such rights must not be exercised through violence, intimidation, or unlawful conduct.

Protesters were urged to refrain from inciting violence, avoid carrying dangerous weapons, respect the rights and dignity of all persons regardless of nationality, and comply with directives issued by law enforcement officers deployed to maintain public order.

The agency said security personnel had also been directed to strictly enforce the law and take decisive action against individuals found carrying weapons or engaging in incitement. “NATJOINTS will not tolerate any actions that threaten public safety or undermine the rule of law,” the statement said.

According to the security structure, members of the SAPS Public Order Police have been deployed to monitor demonstrations and ensure law and order is maintained, warning that anyone found violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.

NATJOINTS further reiterated that acts of vigilantism and lawlessness would not be tolerated under any circumstances. The agency added that joint operational structures across the country remained actively engaged in combating crime through intensified security operations, including Operation Shanela, which it said continues to result in the arrest of thousands of suspects weekly for various violent and serious crimes.

The renewed wave of xenophobic violence has triggered criticism from several African countries, with accusations that South African authorities have not done enough to halt attacks targeting foreign nationals.

Earlier, members of the Nigerian Senate condemned what they described as South Africa’s silence over attacks and killings involving Nigerians and other African migrants, while calling for punitive measures against the country.