A large-scale police deployment is underway across the country, with security operations being intensified in all provinces from this week. Anti-illegal immigration groups have given undocumented foreign nationals until the end of June to leave the country.

They have also issued an ultimatum to government to present a plan to address illegal immigration by then.

Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia said authorities are concerned that rogue elements within protest movements could escalate demonstrations into civil unrest. He confirmed that the police service has elevated its operational readiness and remains the lead agency responsible for maintaining public order.

“Deployments are being rolled out in a phased manner, guided by intelligence assessments and continuous monitoring of the security environment,” said Cachalia.

“The SANDF may be called upon if additional capacity is required to support policing operations and safeguard critical infrastructure, particularly in high-risk areas.

“Senior officials, including deputy ministers and provincial commissioners, will continue visiting identified hotspot provinces such as the Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal to assess readiness and strengthen coordination on the ground.”

Engagements will also include metro police, community policing forums and private security stakeholders, he said.

The BBC reports, as the countdown continues, President Cyril Ramaphosa warned South Africans that scapegoating vulnerable people was not the solution to the country’s complex economic challenges.

The Malawian consulate has been arranging, with the help of donations, for its citizens to leave Durban. Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe have also been organising repatriations by air or bus over the last few weeks, with about 3,500 foreigners volunteering to leave so far.

The South African authorities said the more than 500 Nigerians recently repatriated had been in the country illegally, although this was disputed by the Nigerian authorities.

The anti-illegal immigration organisation March and March gave parliament 14 days to respond to its memorandum of demands. In its memorandum, the group accused undocumented migrants of occupying RDP houses, operating unlicensed businesses, and taking jobs in sectors such as agriculture, retail, hospitality, and construction.

The organisation said foreign nationals, including business owners, should return to their home countries and address challenges there.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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