Police across the country are intensifying security operations ahead of planned nationwide protests linked to illegal immigration. Police in the Free State, North West and other provinces say they are fully prepared to maintain public order.

The national police said law enforcement agencies are prepared for any eventuality on the day. 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 South Africa and have also demanded that the government present a plan to address illegal immigration. 

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

“The growing frustration around undocumented migration reflects shortcomings in immigration enforcement, both in securing the country’s borders and in maintaining order within those borders,” said Duvenhage.

“While improvements to border management systems may be necessary, the real challenge lies in effective implementation, building sufficient capacity, and ensuring that existing laws are consistently enforced.

“South Africa has experienced growing political instability since the 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal, and rising anti-immigration sentiment has become one of the contributing factors to that instability."

Acting police minister Firoz Cachalia said authorities remain concerned that rogue elements within protest movements could attempt to escalate demonstrations into civil unrest.

The SANDF could be called upon to support policing operations and safeguard critical infrastructure if additional capacity is required, he added.

In the Free State, provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Thabang Lesia has assured residents that comprehensive security measures are already in place. He said crime intelligence has already identified potential hotspots across the province, with resources strategically deployed to ensure a rapid response to any incidents.

Meanwhile, North West police say security forces remain on high alert as the province enters what authorities have described as the March-to-March period.

Provincial police spokesperson Col. Adéle Myburgh said the provincial joint operational and intelligence structure, comprising police and various government departments, remains fully mobilised.

The campaign has sparked a national debate on undocumented migration, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to caution citizens against taking matters into their own hands.

“No South African must take any action against any person from any of our African sister countries. That is the responsibility of the government and government officials,” he said during Youth Day commemorations in Johannesburg.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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