South African police have issued a stern warning to organisers of the planned June 30 anti-immigration protests, cautioning that anyone who incites violence or breaks the law during the demonstrations will be arrested and prosecuted.
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni said authorities have put extensive security measures in place to monitor activities during the nationwide protests. According to him, helicopters, drones and more than 33,000 CCTV cameras will be deployed to track developments in real time.
The warning comes as anti-immigration groups, including the March and March movement and its allies, prepare for demonstrations demanding the removal of undocumented foreign nationals from South Africa. The groups have designated June 30 as a deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country, a move that has heightened fears among migrant communities.
Police officials stressed that peaceful protests are protected under the law, but warned that road blockades, intimidation, looting, destruction of property and attacks on businesses would not be tolerated. Authorities said individuals found engaging in unlawful activities would be identified through surveillance systems and brought to justice.
The planned demonstrations follow months of rising anti-immigration sentiments in parts of South Africa, with previous protests reportedly resulting in violence and increasing concerns over the safety of migrants.
As tensions build ahead of June 30, security agencies have assured residents that they are fully prepared to maintain public order and prevent a repeat of past episodes of unrest and instability.
