Acting Minister of Police in South Africa Firoz Cachalia speaking during media briefing egarding the police readiness for the upcoming June 30 protest
Image: Bheki Radebe/ANA Studio
Five years after the July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, which left 354 people dead and led to about 5,500 arrests, South African law enforcement and private security structures are on heightened alert ahead of planned nationwide anti-illegal immigration demonstrations on June 30.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it is operationally prepared to manage the protests and maintain public order. Private security companies have also activated contingency plans to support law enforcement should demonstrations escalate into violence or cause disruption.
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia said this week that he was satisfied with SAPS’ state of readiness following a detailed operational briefing. He confirmed that R600 million had been redirected within SAPS to support preparedness.
Cachalia said the constitutional right to peaceful protest would be protected, but warned that acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation or criminality would not be tolerated. He is expected to meet provincial premiers, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and representatives from the private security sector as part of coordination efforts.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane said extensive planning had been undertaken at national, provincial and local levels, with strengthened communication between SAPS, the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), private security companies and other stakeholders.
Dimpane said SAPS’ objective is to protect lawful protests while acting decisively against any criminal conduct. She said road blockages, intimidation, destruction of property, attacks on businesses, looting and violence would not be tolerated.
She added that SAPS was prepared to act within the law to maintain public order and protect lives and property.
Private security companies have been placed on standby to support law enforcement capacity. Dimpane described the sector as a critical partner and force multiplier due to its national footprint and technological resources.
Private security also continues to support policing through initiatives such as the Eyes and Ears programme and a partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa.
However, industry representatives stressed that private security officers do not have the authority to intervene directly in protests or civil unrest. Atlas Security brand manager Ryan Morris said the company is participating in SAPS planning processes and providing intelligence support, while urging the public to prioritise safety and report incidents to SAPS or security providers.
Fidelity Services Group has activated its National Joint Operations Centre and placed helicopters, drones, specialist personnel and armoured vehicles on standby. CEO Wahl Bartmann said comprehensive contingency plans are in place to respond to any incidents linked to the demonstrations.
Intelligence assessments have identified possible risk areas including transport routes, town centres, business districts, municipal offices and foreign-owned businesses, with KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng flagged as potential hotspots. The overall threat has been described as localised, but authorities have warned of possible disruptions including road blockages, delays in staff movement, temporary closures and intimidation.
Independent researcher and Institute for Security Studies consultant David Bruce said preventing violence is a shared responsibility between authorities and protest organisers. He called for stronger public messaging on the illegality of weapons at demonstrations and suggested that the use of drones and video surveillance could help deter criminal behaviour.
Authorities have reiterated that coordination between SAPS, government departments and private security will continue throughout the week leading up to the planned demonstrations.
IOL