South African police will increase deployments across the country ahead of a June 30 deadline set by fringe anti-immigration groups demanding that undocumented foreigners leave, law enforcement officials said Monday.
The country, one of Africa’s largest and most industrialized economies, has been on edge after weeks of sporadic xenophobic violence that has left at least two people dead.
Small but organized groups have issued an ultimatum for undocumented migrants to depart or face unspecified consequences, a demand that carries no legal authority.
“The South African Police Service has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces,” Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said.
He stressed the right to peaceful protest but warned: “Criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated.”
