The Vredendal cop
Image: Screengrab
While the rest of the men and women in blue were deployed across the country on Monday to ensure that fears of violence linked to the anticipated June 30 anti-illegal immigration protests did not become a reality, a Vredendal police officer has landed in hot water after appearing in a viral video making anti-foreigner remarks.
The 24-second clip, which has been widely shared across social media platforms, shows the uniformed officer making comments about undocumented foreign nationals ahead of the planned June 30 demonstrations.
In the video, the officer says: "On June 30, if you don't have papers for yourself or your shop, go to the nearest police station. Operation Abahambe will start tomorrow. If you are a foreigner, go back to your country. Abahambe Abdulletjie."
The video appeared on activist Billy Claasen's social media page, where he condemned the officer's remarks and called for immediate action.
Claasen said: "This is totally unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.I have sent a WhatsApp message to the Acting National Commissioner and have asked for immediate action, whether suspension or whatever. This is wrong."
The video has drawn widespread criticism online, with many arguing that comments of this nature from a police officer could inflame tensions at a time when authorities have repeatedly appealed for calm and warned against xenophobic violence.
The South African Police Service confirmed that Western Cape police management had launched an investigation into the circulating video.
"Western Cape SAPS management has instituted an investigation into a video circulating on social media platforms wherein a SAPS official in uniform is seen uttering misleading anti-foreigner sentiments. Preliminary findings indicate the member in question is from Vredendal SAPS on the West Coast.
"Details of the incident are the subject of the internal SAPS investigation led by an experienced official from the West Coast district.
"SAPS Western Cape reiterates that such utterances do not reflect the views of the organisation or the values it upholds as a law enforcement agency.
"Once the investigation is finalised, its findings will be made known.
"Police officials are reminded to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times."
The investigation comes as law enforcement agencies across South Africa remain on high alert following calls by anti-illegal immigration groups for nationwide demonstrations linked to June 30. Authorities have maintained that while peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, intimidation, vigilantism and violence will not be tolerated.
In the meantime, by 10.30am on Tuesday morning, Cape Town remained calm, with no reported incidents linked to the anticipated protests. Residents were reminded to report any incidents or credible threats to the City's Public Emergency Communications Centre on 021 480 7700.