Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia says he is confident law enforcement agencies are prepared to maintain order during the planned nationwide anti-immigration protests on June 30, with a special police operation activated.
Cachalia was speaking in Cape Town on Tuesday after meeting the management of SAPS Nyanga police station and representatives of the Community Policing Forum.
The visit formed part of a nationwide readiness campaign that will include engagements with premiers, MECs and mayors.
"I hope I'm not going to have to eat my words, but I believe the police are ready, given the urgency, responsibility and professionalism with which they have responded," he said.
"In the period leading up to June 30 and beyond, my responsibility is to ensure the police are ready to deal with any eventuality. As Minister of Police, my responsibility is to ensure safety and security, and I am satisfied that we are ready in this province."
Cachalia said he would later attend a meeting convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa as part of the government's broader response.
The nationwide security operation is expected to cost about R600 million.
"I mention that figure because I want it to be part of the national debate. People may have genuine grievances, but it is important that they understand that the manner in which those grievances are pursued carries a significant cost," he said.
Cachalia said he and his deputy ministers had scrutinised SAPS' operational plans to identify and close any gaps.
"I have now received a full operational briefing from the police and we have interrogated those plans to ensure any shortcomings are addressed. I am satisfied that the police are ready for any eventuality."
He said he and other members of the ministry would travel to Gauteng later this week, followed by KwaZulu-Natal, before visiting all provinces to assess operational readiness.
He said the country cannot afford a repeat of the July 2021 unrest.
Cachalia said SAPS had classified the policing response as a special operation, with officers' leave suspended to maximise resources.
"We have declared this a special operation. Leave has been suspended. The army has not been called up because I am not anticipating that we will need to do so, but if it becomes necessary, we will."
He said protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring public safety would remain non-negotiable.
"What is not negotiable is the safety and security of the country, its people and its infrastructure. We are going to do everything possible to ensure June 30 is a normal day."
Cachalia added that SAPS was also intensifying the enforcement of immigration laws.
"I received a presentation on what the police are doing to enforce our immigration laws. That point must be clear. When I say we are enforcing the law, that includes immigration laws. In this province, police are arresting people who are in the country illegally."
Cape Times