Sandy McCowen
Eastern Cape authorities say a comprehensive security plan is in place ahead of planned anti-immigration protests scheduled for 30 June, with law enforcement agencies identifying 14 priority areas across the province where demonstrations are expected.
The identified hotspots include Gqeberha, Komani, Butterworth, Addo, Jeffreys Bay, Mthatha, Matatiele, Mbizana, Mount Frere, Ngcobo and other areas flagged through intelligence reports.
Speaking during a provincial safety and security briefing in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape MEC for Transport and Community Safety Xolile Nqatha acknowledged growing public concern over undocumented immigration but stressed that any demonstrations must remain lawful and peaceful.
Authorities warn against vigilantism
“We understand the concerns raised by communities. However, we must emphasise that no private individuals or group will be allowed to assume the duties and responsibilities of law enforcement agencies,” said Nqatha.
He warned that authorities would act decisively against any criminal activity associated with the planned protests.
“While we respect the right to peaceful protest, we will not hesitate to act against any acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation or criminality. Any violence, intimidation or criminal activity will be met with swift action,” he said.
Province-wide security operation activated
Nqatha said all eight districts have been placed on high alert, with additional personnel deployed and operational plans activated to respond to any unrest.
Joint operational centres have been established across the province to coordinate responses and monitor developments in real time, while additional police resources have been directed to identified hotspots.
The South African National Defence Force will also continue supporting police operations in areas affected by gang-related violence.
Police focus on identified hotspots
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata said police are working closely with communities, business organisations and protest organisers to monitor developments.
“We continue to receive intelligence reports, but we also receive valuable information from communities, business organisations and NGOs. We are operationalising every report that we receive,” said Ncata.
Among the areas identified as priorities are Mthatha, Matatiele, Mbizana, Mount Frere, Butterworth, Komani, Gqeberha, Addo, Jeffreys Bay and Ngcobo.
“We have listed those as priority areas, about 12 or 14 of them. The province is on a state of alert in all districts, but we’re focusing mainly on these areas informed by crime intelligence reports,” he said.
Ncata said police have instructed district commissioners and station commanders to engage with organisers to ensure demonstrations proceed peacefully.
“We respect the Constitution and the right to protest, but of course peaceful protest. That is what we will ensure happens on the day,” he said.
Home affairs part of joint operations
Authorities confirmed that officials from the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority will form part of the provincial and district joint operational centres.
“They are very important because they’ve got a very big role. They guide us and have the authority and powers to execute the Immigration Act,” said Ncata.
Recent marches fuel security concerns
The heightened security measures follow another anti-immigration march in KuGompo on Tuesday, where residents demanded action against undocumented immigrants.
The protest, which was joined by anti-immigration activist Nkosikhona “Phakel’umthakathi” Ndabandaba, was the fourth such march held in the town in recent months.
March and March provincial organiser Azola Mrhana criticised local authorities, saying residents felt their concerns were being ignored.
“What we want from Mayor Princess Faku is for her to tell undocumented immigrants to leave our town. We feel she has been too quiet on this matter as our mayor,” said Mrhana.
Meanwhile, March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma reiterated the movement’s call for undocumented immigrants to leave South Africa by June 30, saying the campaign had widespread public support.
Responding to Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia’s warning that more than R600 million would be spent on security operations linked to the planned protests, Ngobese-Zuma accused government of attempting to intimidate protesters and said Cachalia should “stop threatening” the movement.
The Kugompo march ended peacefully, but authorities say growing tensions around undocumented immigration have reinforced the need for heightened security measures ahead of the planned nation-wide protests on Tuesday.
Sandy McCowen
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