South African police heighten security as anti-illegal immigration protests sweep county

Africa, Crime Diary

PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — South African police have intensified security operations across the Northern Cape Province as anti-illegal immigration protests continue in parts of the country, assuring residents that law enforcement agencies remain fully prepared to maintain peace and public order.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Tuesday that it had increased deployments and enhanced police visibility following largely peaceful demonstrations held across the province’s five districts.

According to the police, officers are closely monitoring developments while working with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

“Law enforcement agencies, including SAPS and other relevant stakeholders, remain operationally prepared and have maintained an increased presence through enhanced visibility and sustained deployments to ensure the safety and security of communities,” the statement said.

While most of the demonstrations were peaceful, the police confirmed that several arrests had been made in connection with looting, attempted looting, business robbery, immigration-related offences and other unlawful activities recorded during the protests.

The suspects, SAPS said, will be processed in accordance with the law and prosecuted where appropriate.

The police reaffirmed that while South Africa’s Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, criminal acts committed under the guise of demonstrations would not be tolerated.

“SAPS Northern Cape reiterates that the right to peaceful protest is protected; however, criminal conduct, including looting, damage to property and any acts that threaten the safety of communities, will not be tolerated,” the statement added.

The police urged members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with security personnel and promptly report suspicious or criminal activities.

Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, said the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster would continue high-density operations, monitor identified hotspots and coordinate deployments with other law enforcement agencies to preserve peace and stability across the province.

The renewed security measures come as anti-illegal immigration demonstrations continue to attract thousands of protesters in several parts of South Africa, prompting heightened vigilance by security agencies.