By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) met with the private security industry to deliberate on security measures ahead of the 30 June anti-illegal immigrants protests.
Vigilantes have in recent weeks carried out attacks on foreign nationals in several parts of the country, prompting Malawi, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zimbabwe to help more than 5,000 of their citizens to return home.
More protests by anti-immigrant groups are planned in the eastern KwaZulu-Natal province.
The demonstrations have stoked fears of a recurrence of violence in KwaZulu-Natal and the commercial hub of Gauteng in July 2021 that followed the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma.
The week of deadly riots marked the worst civil unrest in South Africa since the end of White-minority rule in 1994, leaving more than 300 people dead and thousands of businesses looted or burned down.
Addressing the media after having a meeting with the PSIRA and the Private Security Industry, Acting police commissioner Puleng Dimpane said the private security industry is a critical partner in the fight against crime and in maintaining stability.
“With hundreds of thousands of security officers deployed throughout the country and significant technology and operational resources at its disposal, the industry serves as an important force multiplier for law enforcement,” Dimpane said.
Dimpane said the private security officers are often the first eyes and ears on the ground.
“They operate in communities, business districts, industrial areas, shopping centres and residential neighbourhoods throughout the country.”
“Through the Eyes and Ears Initiative and our partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa, private security companies continue to play an important role in supporting crime prevention and enhancing situational awareness,” she said.
Dimpane said communication channels between SAPS, PSIRA, private security companies and other stakeholders have been strengthened.
“Our objective is straightforward. We will protect lawful and peaceful demonstrations as provided for in our Constitution. At the same time, we will act decisively against any individual or group that seeks to engage in criminal conduct. “
“The blocking of roads, intimidation of communities, destruction of property, attacks on businesses, looting, violence and any attempts to undermine public order will not be tolerated.
“To those who may be considering exploiting the demonstrations to commit criminal acts, our message is equally clear: the SAPS is ready, the SAPS is prepared and law enforcement will act within the confines of the law to maintain public order and protect lives and property,” she said.
Dimpane thanked PSIRA, the leadership of the private security industry and all participating companies for their commitment to this important cause.
Meanwhile Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of March and March movement, rejected suggestions that their June 30 deadline for undocumented migrants to leave South Africa is unlawful, arguing it is merely an encouragement for them to go home.
Ngobese-Zuma said they had the support of many South Africans.
“South Africans said they wanted to see the country taking shape and for illegal immigrants to self-deport.”
The anti-migrant group is demanding stricter visa controls, a review of asylum policies, tougher action against employers of undocumented workers, accountability for corrupt police officials, and restrictions on access to public services for undocumented migrants.