Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures (Natjoints), Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, says law enforcement agencies will respond to criminality swiftly.
Image: Supplied
Criminality and lawlessness will not be tolerated as South Africans take to the streets against the illegal immigration crisis on Tuesday morning.
This was revealed by the Chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, who reassured South Africans that law enforcement is fully prepared for the planned protests against undocumented migrants.
Speaking at a media briefing on Monday night, Mosikili emphasised the readiness of law enforcement agencies across the nation.
"To those who intend to break the law tomorrow, our message is simple: do not test the resolve of the State. To those who intend to demonstrate peacefully, we assure you that your constitutional rights will be protected," Mosikili said.
The briefing comes as tensions have continued to escalate ahead of anti-illegal immigration marches planned for Tuesday, with authorities determined to prevent a repeat of violence and xenophobic attacks that have surfaced in parts of the country in recent months.
Mass protests are expected to kick off this morning in major parts of the country, including Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Emalahleni in Mpumalanga.
South Africa braces for tense anti-illegal immigration protests this Tuesday, June 30.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / ANA Studio
As part of this heightened security measure, authorities are set to conduct four major operations nationwide in anticipation of potential unrest, with reports that over the weekend that some members associated with the calls for illegal migrants to leave have been apprehended.
"Over the weekend, a group of so-called March and March protesters entered a home in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, where a Congolese family was harassed. We can confirm that four people have been arrested in connection with this incident," Mosikili stated.
While many of the protests have been without incident, Mosikili revealed that this highlights the growing tensions surrounding anti-foreigner sentiment, which has resulted in a significant number of arrests in the past few months.
With the anti-illegal migration protests intensifying, authorities are on high alert, prepared to respond swiftly to any acts of violence or criminality.
Image: Itumeleng English / ANA Studio
According to the latest report, since March 1, law enforcement has registered at least 103 cases associated with anti-foreigner sentiment, with 195 individuals apprehended nationwide.
Breaking it down by province, KwaZulu-Natal has reported 39 cases, leading to 11 arrests; the Eastern Cape has seen 12 cases with nine arrests; and the Free State has experienced 29 cases, resulting in 153 arrests.
Furthermore, the Western Cape has reported 15 cases with 14 arrests, while Gauteng has had four cases, leading to five arrests. Mpumalanga has reported three cases with three arrests.
Highlighting the government's commitment to managing potential unrest, Mosikili explained that the estimated budget of R600 million is not solely allocated for the upcoming protests or a single day's operations.
Instead, it encompasses the broader operational planning of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and covers the nationwide deployment of frontline officers.
This funding also covers essential logistical needs such as fuel, equipment, overtime, and contingency funds for unforeseen operational requirements necessary to maintain public order.