South Africa is on edge ahead of planned anti‑immigrant protests set for Tuesday, with authorities deploying heavy security nationwide and warning that any disturbances will be dealt with.
The demonstrations coincide with an unofficial deadline set by anti‑immigration campaigners for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country, a call that has already triggered fear, intimidation and the repatriation of thousands of migrants.
Police say at least 25,000 foreign nationals, mostly from other African countries, have left South Africa in recent weeks amid rising tensions.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) said organisers of the protests must adhere to agreements reached with authorities to ensure peaceful demonstrations.
Deputy national police commissioner Tebello Mosikili warned that law enforcement would act swiftly against any vigilante behaviour, looting, road blockades or attacks on officials.
“We call upon every organiser and every participant to honour their commitment under the law, exercise your constitutional right respectfully and peacefully, cooperate with marshals and law enforcement officials, respects agreed rules and conditions,” Mosikili said.
She urged organisers and participants to honour their legal commitments, cooperate with marshals and police, and hand over memoranda only to relevant state authorities.
The protests follow weeks of heightened anxiety linked to the 30 June anti‑immigrant mobilisation, which saw sporadic violence, intimidation and mass departures of foreign nationals.
Government officials have repeatedly cautioned against unlawful conduct, with President Cyril Ramaphosa urging South Africans to exercise their constitutional right to protest without issuing threats or ultimatums.
Authorities fear that Tuesday’s demonstrations could escalate, prompting the deployment of additional public‑order units, intelligence teams and rapid‑response forces.
Natjoints said any criminal conduct would result in immediate arrests as the state seeks to prevent a repeat of the unrest associated with previous anti‑immigrant campaigns.
JN/APA