South Africa warns against violence ahead of anti-immigration marches

Africa, Crime Diary

PRETORIA, South Africa (NPA) — The South African government has urged citizens planning to participate in demonstrations against illegal immigration later this month to conduct their protests peacefully and within the confines of the law.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia made the appeal during a media briefing on Monday, outlining the government’s security preparations ahead of the planned nationwide marches.

Cachalia said while citizens have a constitutional right to protest, authorities would not tolerate violence, intimidation, destruction of property or any actions capable of threatening public safety.

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“Our message is clear: everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law. However, criminality, intimidation, violence, destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated,” he said.

He warned that law enforcement agencies would deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt public order.

According to the minister, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has heightened operational readiness across all provinces, with deployment plans designed to protect communities, critical infrastructure and public facilities.

He said police would conduct daily operational assessments and continuous monitoring of the security environment to ensure a swift response to emerging threats.

Cachalia added that the South African National Defence Force could be deployed to support police operations if additional capacity becomes necessary.

The minister assured citizens that the government had established adequate coordination mechanisms across the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster to maintain peace and stability during the demonstrations.

He disclosed that engagements would be held with premiers of all nine provinces this week to strengthen a coordinated national response.

“Government is prepared. Our law enforcement agencies are coordinated, our operational plans are in place, and we will continue to monitor the situation daily,” he said.

Cachalia also revealed that the JCPS Cluster recently met with leaders of the Zulu Royal House to promote messages of peace, tolerance and non-violence ahead of the protests.

While acknowledging public concerns over issues affecting the country, he stressed that grievances must be expressed lawfully and peacefully.

“Government hears those concerns. However, they must always be expressed without violence, intimidation or lawlessness,” he said.