Acting National Commissioner Lt-Gen Puleng Dimpane says SAPS has finalised operational plans and mobilised resources ahead of the planned 30 June demonstrations.
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The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it is ready to police the planned demonstrations on 30 June and will act decisively against any criminal conduct while protecting lawful protest.
Speaking after a meeting between the SAPS, the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) and private security companies, Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said police were fully prepared for the planned demonstrations on Tuesday.
Dimpane said the meeting, also attended by Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia, Deputy Ministers Polly Boshielo and Cassel Mathale, and PSIRA CEO Manabela Chauke, focused on coordination, communication and operational preparedness.
“The purpose of today's engagement was clear,” she said, adding that stakeholders had only days left to ensure proper coordination and planning ahead of 30 June.
She said lessons from the July 2021 unrest had shaped current preparations, including addressing weaknesses in coordination, communication and early warning systems.
“The lessons of July 2021 remain fresh in our minds,” Dimpane said, adding that the events exposed “gaps in coordination, shortcomings in communication, limitations in early warning systems and insufficient collaboration.”
She said no single institution could manage such threats alone, stressing the need for unity, planning and intelligence sharing.
The SAPS, working with metro police and private security, has finalised operational plans and mobilised resources, she said, adding that communication channels had been strengthened across all stakeholders.
“We are determined that South Africa must never again experience the levels of destruction, fear and instability witnessed during July 2021,” she said.
Dimpane said lawful and peaceful protests would be protected, but warned that criminal behaviour would not be tolerated.
“The blocking of roads, intimidation of communities, destruction of property, attacks on businesses, looting, violence and any attempts to undermine public order will not be tolerated,” she said.
“To those who may be considering exploiting the demonstrations to commit criminal acts, our message is clear: the SAPS is ready, the SAPS is prepared, and law enforcement will act within the confines of the law.”
She said the private security industry remained a key partner in crime prevention and public safety, acting as a “force multiplier” through its presence in communities and business areas.
Dimpane also said there was a strong commitment from private security companies to support SAPS operations through resources, information sharing and coordination.
She urged foreign nationals in the country to ensure they are in possession of valid documentation.
Dimpane said the coordinated efforts between SAPS, PSIRA and private security companies were aimed at strengthening preparedness and ensuring stability during the planned demonstrations.
“The personnel, technology, equipment and expertise that they have committed will greatly assist our efforts to maintain stability, enhance situational awareness, and respond swiftly to any incidents that may arise,” she said.
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