Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe says police are fully prepared for the planned June 30 demonstrations and has warned that violence, intimidation and any form of lawlessness will not be tolerated.
The demonstrations come amid growing concerns over the safety and well-being of foreign nationals as anti-illegal immigration protests continue to escalate.
Many migrants travelled to South Africa seeking better opportunities. Instead, many say they are living in fear as hostility towards foreign nationals intensifies.
Protesters argue that undocumented migrants are taking jobs from South Africans, placing pressure on healthcare services and schools, and failing to contribute to the economy through taxes.
Despite repeated government appeals for calm, demonstrations have continued.
Anti-migrant organisation March and March, together with more than 20 civil society organisations, has called on undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa by June 30.
Meanwhile, Hadebe has assured the people of Limpopo that comprehensive operational plans have been activated to ensure the safety and security of all residents, visitors, businesses and travellers during the planned demonstrations related to anti-foreigner sentiment and illegal immigration.
Hadebe confirmed that the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), comprising SAPS and its law enforcement and security partners, has intensified operational planning and coordination across the province.
She said a heightened police presence had been deployed to identified areas, including major routes, business districts, ports of entry and other critical infrastructure, to maintain public order and respond swiftly to any incidents.
“The South African Police Service is fully operational, adequately resourced and prepared to police any planned demonstrations across Limpopo.
“There will be no shutdown of the province,” she warned.
“Essential services, businesses, ports of entry and economic activities will continue to operate, while our members remain deployed to ensure the safety and security of everyone,” said Hadebe.
She reiterated that SAPS fully respects and will protect the constitutional right of every person to assemble, demonstrate and protest peacefully and within the confines of the law.
However, she warned that any acts of violence, intimidation, public disorder, malicious damage to property, looting, road blockades, attacks on businesses, disruption of essential services or interference with critical infrastructure would not be tolerated and would be dealt with decisively.
Hadebe further reminded all foreign nationals residing in South Africa that they are required to comply with the country’s immigration laws and must possess valid documentation authorising their presence in the republic.
The top cop said SAPS, together with the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs and other relevant government departments, would continue to support lawful operations aimed at identifying and addressing violations of South Africa’s immigration legislation.
She emphasised that no individual, organisation or community structure has the authority to enforce immigration laws or take the law into their own hands.
Immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of authorised state agencies acting within the framework of the law, Hadebe said.
“The South African Police Service will not tolerate xenophobia, vigilantism, hate speech or any criminal conduct directed at foreign nationals or any member of our communities.
“Anyone found inciting violence, encouraging criminality or using social media or any other platform to mobilise unlawful acts will be investigated, and where sufficient evidence exists, appropriate legal action will be taken,” said Hadebe.
Hadebe appealed to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their normal daily activities and refrain from circulating unverified information or misinformation that could create unnecessary panic or inflame tensions.
“Communities are encouraged to report any criminal activity or threats to the nearest police station or anonymously through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111,” she added.
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Simon Majadibodu
iol.co.za
