Gauteng braces for protests as law enforcement prepares for illegal immigration demonstrations

The Gauteng Provincial government has reported its readiness to curb lawlessness as the countdown to June 30 for illegal immigrants to self-deport begins.

Image: Phando Jikelo / Independent Newspapers

The Gauteng Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) has confirmed its readiness to manage anticipated protests across the province on June 30, with calls for illegal foreigners to self-deport reverberating through South Africa.

Co-chaired by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the State Security Agency (SSA), and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), law enforcement is ramping up measures to prevent any outbreaks of violence during what is expected to be a significant demonstration.

Addressing the media in Eldorado Park on Thursday, Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni underscored the seriousness with which the authorities are approaching the day. "Anyone who intends to incite violence or break the law, do so at your own risk. Those caught on the wrong side of the law will be tracked and arrested."

To aid in these efforts, Mthombeni indicated that law enforcement agencies will utilise helicopters, drones, and over 33,000 CCTV cameras across Gauteng to monitor activities in real time.

"Indeed, we have mobilised extensively, and we will have what is called a downlink, allowing us to observe activities as they happen. The drones and helicopters will be able to identify who is doing what. So, if you get arrested, do not say you were not warned."

The operational strategy involves a collaborative effort from various law enforcement and community entities, including SAPS, Metro Police Departments, Gauteng Traffic Police, Department of Community Safety, and private security firms under the Business Against Crime South Africa’s Eyes and Ears (E2) initiative. This integrated approach not only ensures public safety but also upholds the constitutional right to peaceful protest.

On Thursday, Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni addressed a media gathering held in Eldorado Park over the province's state of readiness for the June 30 deadline for illegal migrants to leave the country.

Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers

However, the planned protests have sparked fierce criticism from the United Coalition of Civil Society Movements, which comprises more than 15 civil society movements. At a press briefing, coalition leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma aimed at the government’s R600 million budget for ensuring safety on June 30, asserting that taxpayer money is being used to support illegal immigrants, while South Africans suffer from inadequate resources.

"This country keeps spending more and more money on foreigners. We'd like to know how much the government is truly spending on foreign nationals in areas like our prisons, schools, and healthcare," remarked Ngobese-Zuma. She urged the government to focus its resources on enforcing immigration laws rather than concerning itself with peaceful citizens impacted by undocumented immigrants.

In preparation for the protests, law enforcement agencies cautioned participants against taking individual actions such as conducting immigration checks or profiling individuals. Such behaviour, they warned, not only constitutes criminal offences but risks exacerbating public disorder during the demonstrations. "We urge protest participants to remain within the bounds of the law, and remember that any form of vigilantism will not be tolerated," warned Mthombeni.