Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia says law enforcement ready for June 30 amid violence concerns.
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Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia says South Africa’s security apparatus is fully prepared for June 30, with the government placing law enforcement on heightened alert amid concerns over potential unrest and criminal disruptions.
Cachalia made the remarks on Monday during a briefing on national security readiness following a review of the integrated NATJOINTS operational plan.
He was joined by Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, deputy ministers Cassel Mathale and Dr Polly Boshielo, and senior SAPS leadership led by Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane.
While officials described the voter registration weekend as largely peaceful, authorities confirmed several serious violent incidents that have heightened concern ahead of 30 June.
“We are pleased to report that there were no significant disruptions at voter registration stations across the country,” Cachalia said.
“We remain deeply concerned by a number of serious criminal incidents that occurred during the same period.”
Police recorded 12 incidents nationally, including four murders, five Electoral Act contraventions and three cases of public violence. Six arrests were also made linked to assault, malicious damage to property and public violence.
Among the incidents cited were killings in Gauteng involving individuals linked to the MK Party, one in the Western Cape involving a Democratic Alliance ward candidate, and one in the Eastern Cape involving an African National Congress ward councillor.
“We strongly condemn these acts of violence. Political violence has no place in our constitutional democracy,” Cachalia said.
“An attack on political representatives or supporters, regardless of party affiliation, is an attack on the democratic rights of all South Africans.”
Cachalia said SAPS has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with daily monitoring and continuous assessments forming part of the national security plan.
“The South African Police Service has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces,” he said.
He warned that while peaceful protest would be protected, lawlessness would not be tolerated.
“Our message is clear: everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law,” he said.
“However, criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated.”
“The rule of law will prevail.”
Cachalia confirmed that SAPS remains the lead agency but could call on the South African National Defence Force if necessary to reinforce capacity.
“Should the operational environment require additional capacity, SAPS may request the support of the South African National Defence Force to augment existing policing capacity,” he said.
He added that coordination within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster has been strengthened to ensure rapid response capability.
With tensions expected to rise ahead of 30 June, government has urged political actors and communities to avoid provocation and violence.
“No disagreement, no campaign, and no political objective can justify intimidation, assault or murder,” Cachalia said, calling for restraint and respect for democratic processes.
Government said daily operational briefings will continue, with national and provincial authorities coordinating closely to maintain stability.
“We call on every South African to reject violence, to uphold the rule of law and to work with law enforcement in maintaining peace and stability,” Cachalia said.
“To those who may be contemplating acts of lawlessness, our message is equally clear: the full might of the law will be brought to deal decisively with anyone who seeks to undermine the safety, security and constitutional order of our Republic.”
IOL News