Acting Minister of Police in South Africa Firoz Cachalia speaking during media briefing egarding the police readiness for the upcoming June 30 protest
Five years after the July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, which left 354 people dead and led to about 5,500 arrests, South African law enforcement and private security structures are on heightened alert ahead of planned nationwide anti-illegal immigration demonstrations on June 30.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it is operationally prepared to manage the protests and maintain public order. Private security companies have also activated contingency plans to support law enforcement should demonstrations escalate into violence or cause disruption.
Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia said this week that he was satisfied with SAPS’ state of readiness following a detailed operational briefing. He confirmed that R600 million had been redirected within SAPS to support preparedness.
Cachalia said the constitutional right to peaceful protest would be protected, but warned that acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation or criminality would not be tolerated. He is expected to meet provincial premiers, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and representatives from the private security sector as part of coordination efforts.
