Tembisa residents joined the call for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa ahead of the June 30 deadline imposed by March and March and other civic organisations.
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Newspapers
South Africa’s security authorities say coordination has been strengthened ahead of planned nationwide demonstrations set for June 30, following a high-level engagement between SAPS, PSIRA, and private security stakeholders.
The anticipated demonstrations come amid ongoing public concern over illegal immigration, with communities in several parts of the country previously voicing calls for stronger government intervention. The planned action follows a series of demonstrations in recent days in some areas, where residents have raised safety and service delivery concerns linked to undocumented migration.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane said the meeting was aimed at improving joint planning, communication, and operational readiness.
“We have just concluded a successful and constructive engagement between the South African Police Service, PSIRA, and representatives of private security companies from across the country,” she said.
With the demonstrations expected within days, Dimpane stressed the importance of coordinated action across all security structures.
“It is important that all security stakeholders coordinate, communicate, and prepare together,” she said.
She also referenced lessons from the July 2021 unrest, warning against a repeat of past failures in coordination and early warning systems.
“No single organisation can effectively deal with threats of this magnitude alone,” she said, adding that planning and preparation were “not optional.”
Dimpane assured the public that law enforcement is fully prepared for the demonstrations.
“We will protect lawful and peaceful demonstrations as provided for in our Constitution,” she said.
However, she warned that any criminal conduct would be met with a firm response.
“The blocking of roads, violence, looting, and destruction of property will not be tolerated,” she said. “The SAPS is ready and will act within the confines of the law.”
The meeting, attended by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia and deputy ministers, reaffirmed cooperation between SAPS, metro police, and private security ahead of the demonstrations.
Deputy National Police Commissioner responsible for policing, Tebello Mosikili, had also warned that weapons of any kind, including traditional weapons, would 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.
Saturday Star