A sending off parade in Durban on Sunday, of law enforcement members that will be deployed during and beyond the planned protests.
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South Africa is gearing up for nationwide protests on June 30, with police urged to maintain professionalism amidst concerns of potential xenophobic violence against undocumented foreign nationals.
On Sunday, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has urged law enforcement officers to remain "professional, disciplined and neutral” ahead of the planned nationwide demonstrations on Tuesday..
The protests, led by groups including the “March and March” movement, are calling for stricter action against undocumented foreign nationals. The mobilisation has raised concerns about possible xenophobic violence, with the government warning that any targeting of foreign nationals will not be tolerated.
The SAPS helicopter at thesending off parade in Durban on Sunday, of law enforcement members that will be deployed during and beyond the planned protests.
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Speaking at a state of readiness parade in Durban on Sunday, Cachalia said police would not block lawful protests but would act to prevent violence and disorder.
“Our role is not to take sides in any public debate,” he said. “Our role is to uphold the Constitution, enforce the law without fear, favour or prejudice, and ensure that public order is maintained.”
The minister said officers carry a responsibility to protect both protesters and members of the public who are not participating in the demonstrations, saying these are “complementary constitutional obligations”.
He warned that while peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, police would act decisively against any criminal behaviour.
A sending off parade in Durban on Sunday, of law enforcement members that will be deployed during and beyond the planned protests.
Image: SUPPLIED
“We are there to protect life, safeguard property, prevent criminality and respond swiftly should any individual seek to exploit these legitimate grievances to commit acts of violence, intimidation or vandalism,” he said.
Cachalia added that officers must act within the law at all times and avoid excessive force.
“Every decision you make must be lawful, proportionate and accountable,” Do not be provoked into conduct that undermines the badge you wear".
He also cautioned that public gatherings can become unpredictable and said strong coordination and discipline would be critical to managing any developments on the ground.
The minister said the public would judge both the outcome of Tuesday’s operations and the manner in which police conduct themselves.
"As you deploy, remember that you are ambassadors of the South African Police Service and custodians of the constitutional values we have all sworn to protect. Carry out your duties with courage, discipline and respect for the law. Return home safely to your families once your mission has been completed".
KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli AND Acting Police Minister Professor Faroz Cachalia in Durban on Sunday
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KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli earlier briefed members of the media about provincial goverment's state of readiness at the Marine Building in eThekwini Metro.
This was in a bid to reassure citizens that government and law enforcement had adequately prepared plans and strategies to detect and prevent any acts of criminality targeting undocumented illegal immigrants on June 30.
Premier Ntuli urged community members to obey the law, desist from spreading inciting and misleading information on social media as this may lead to acts of violence, destruction of property and assaults.
He then proceeded to the Amphitheater at North Beach, where he joined Acting Provincial SAPS Commissioner Major-General Phumele Makhoba and Cachalia for a sending off parade of law enforcement members that will be deployed during and beyond the planned protests.
Premier Ntuli also visited the old Drive Inn, where he received a comprehensive briefing from Home Affairs officials regarding the processing and repatriation process of Malawi Natioals who have gathered there.