With nationwide anti-illegal immigration demonstrations set for 30 June, police have warned that weapons of any kind, including traditional weapons, will not be tolerated during the marches.
Mosikili said there would be no exceptions when it comes to enforcing laws prohibiting the carrying of dangerous weapons during protests.
“If the law says do not carry a weapon, it means a weapon,” she said.
“From an operational point of view, somebody next door will feel threatened if you have such an instrument. That includes a spear. You are marching, why do you carry a spear while marching because you are not at war?”
“There are other means that can be used to control the crowd. This is prohibited and cannot be debated,” she added.
The planned demonstrations come amid growing tensions over illegal immigration and renewed calls for a national shutdown by the anti-illegal immigration group March and March.
Cachalia stressed that while South Africans have a constitutional right to protest, demonstrations must remain peaceful and lawful.
“Our message is clear: Everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law. However, criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property, and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated,” he said.
He warned that authorities would act decisively against anyone who breaks the law.
“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.”
Cachalia said SAPS remains the lead agency responsible for maintaining public order but could call on the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) should additional capacity be required.
“Should the operational environment require additional capacity, SAPS may request the support of the South African National Defence Force to augment existing policing capacity and ensure that sufficient operational resources are available,” he said.
The government has elevated operational readiness across all provinces, with deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure, and public spaces.
“There will be daily operational assessments and continuous monitoring of the security environment to ensure that our deployments remain responsive to any emerging risks,” Cachalia said.
He revealed that R600 million has been redirected within SAPS to support the special operation and said he and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga were satisfied that coordination mechanisms across the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster were in place.
“To all South Africans, I want to assure you that the Government is prepared. Our law enforcement agencies are coordinated, our operational plans are in place, and we will continue to monitor the situation daily,” he said.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga confirmed that the SANDF has been placed on alert but stressed that soldiers would only be deployed if requested by police.
“As defence, our role is around key points including provinces like Gauteng, KZN, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, and also airports,” Motshekga said.
It is also revealed that the government has also engaged traditional leaders, including the Zulu Royal House, to encourage messages of peace and non-violence ahead of the demonstrations.
Saturday Star