Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia was briefed by the South African Police Service (SAPS) management on its state of readiness ahead of June 30 demonstrations.

The briefing, led by Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, was held in Pretoria. Cachalia received detailed presentations on national and provincial operational plans aimed at ensuring that all demonstrations take place in a safe, secure, and peaceful manner.

The Provincial Commissioners from all nine provinces were in attendance at the briefing. Forming part of the meeting were Deputy National Commissioners, Provincial Commissioners, and Divisional Commissioners in the operational and intelligence environments.

According to police management, Cachalia was satisfied with the measures that had been put in place. In the coming week, Cachalia will meet with Deputy Ministers of Police and Defence, Premiers of all nine provinces, to reinforce the effective coordination and monitoring among all relevant security role players and to ensure adequate support ahead of the planned demonstrations.

Cachalia urged all Provincial Commissioners to enforce the law without fear or favour and to respond swiftly and decisively to any acts of incitement, violence, intimidation, or criminality. He assured all South Africans that their safety and security remain a priority and that the SAPS remains fully committed to protecting all people in the Republic and upholding the Constitution by maintaining law and order while safeguarding the rights of everyone.

The SAPS will be conducting visits to identified areas where heightened levels of instability have been experienced to assess operational readiness and reinforce policing efforts. The Ministry of Police will also meet with representatives from the private security sector as force multipliers in enhancing safety and security.

"While the constitutional right to peaceful protest will be respected, no acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation, or criminality will be tolerated," Cachalia said.

In addition, the SAPS will continue weekly enforcement operations to verify the legal status of foreign nationals in the country. These operations are aimed at ensuring that all foreign nationals residing in South Africa are in the country legally and are in possession of valid documentation. Where violations of the law are identified, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law.

The SAPS is confident in its ability to maintain peace and order during the demonstrations. With the country on high alert, the SAPS and other security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure that the demonstrations pass off without incident.

SAPS' Plan to Ensure Peaceful Demonstrations

  • The SAPS will have a strong police presence at all demonstration sites
  • Police will be equipped with necessary gear, including riot gear and tear gas
  • The SAPS will work closely with private security companies to enhance safety and security
  • The SAPS will conduct regular intelligence gathering to stay ahead of potential threats
  • The SAPS will work with community leaders to promote peaceful demonstrations

What's Next

The SAPS will continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to maintain peace and order. The Acting Minister of Police has assured the public that the SAPS is committed to protecting all people in the Republic and upholding the Constitution.

This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.