The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure Natjoints announced that law enforcement is on high alert and intelligence structures are monitoring developments in real time ahead of the June 30 marches. Natjoints co-chairperson and deputy national commissioner for policing Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili stated that the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security JCPS cluster has entered the full implementation phase of Operation 32. National and provincial joint operation and intelligence structures are functioning 24 hours a day across all nine provinces, with first responders, specialized operation units, public order policing units, and the air wing fully deployed. Mosikili warned against testing the state's resolve but assured protection for peaceful demonstrators. She noted that contingency plans have been tested and simulated, and that while march coordinators assured peaceful demonstrations, there would be immediate consequences for those who cross the line, with dangerous weapons prohibited. Natjoints reported 195 arrests and 103 cases registered since March 1 for anti-immigrant sentiments, with a breakdown of cases and arrests across various provinces. Additionally, over 2,800 illegal immigrants were arrested in the last week, and over 50,000 since January. The fatality rate for foreign nationals stands at four, with arrests made in connection to these deaths. More than 25,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated. Thousands of law enforcement officers
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Mass protests against illegal immigration have started early in Soweto, ahead of the planned June 30 demonstrations in Johannesburg. The Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia KAAX group has accused the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department JMPD of political bias and favoritism, claiming the JMPD previously restricted KAAX's right to protest with disproportionate tactics while now facilitating marches by groups that propagate conditions leading to violence. KAAX stated that its past protests faced intense scrutiny, threats of arrest, and demands for fees, which they argue is a selective application of the Regulation of Gatherings Act RoGA. JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla clarified that financial payments are not a prerequisite for protest approval or police presence, citing a June 2022 high court ruling that declared charging fees for protests unconstitutional. The JMPD emphasized that it strictly complies with this ruling and will not tolerate criminality or property damage during the protests. The Psychological Society of South Africa highlighted the potential negative effects of the protests on migrant communities, warning that fear, misinformation, and scapegoating can intensify prejudice and social divisions. Johannesburg council speaker Margaret Arnolds reiterated that intimidation and unlawful removal of foreign nationals will not be tolerated, advocating for dialogue and lawfulness.
The Special Investigating Unit SIU has begun conducting lifestyle audits of senior officials and employees in high-risk procurement and human resources positions within the Department of Basic Education DBE. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube announced the audits, stating they are part of a broader campaign to combat corruption and protect public funds intended for education. The audits target areas vulnerable to corruption risks and aim to identify unexplained wealth and corruption risks among public officials. The DBE stated that Minister Gwarube has consistently argued that reforming basic education requires restoring an ethical culture within the department. The objective is to identify and eliminate corruption risks to ensure government resources improve education quality and benefit schools. The department believes strengthening internal accountability will safeguard public investment and reinforce public confidence. Minister Gwarube reaffirmed her commitment to protecting education funding, emphasizing responsibility to the 13.7 million children and 485,000 teachers in South Africa's schools. This initiative marks a step in the department's efforts to detect corruption, prevent misuse of public funds, and strengthen governance in the education system.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a strong warning against violence ahead of planned protests on Tuesday, June 30, by the organization March and March, which has set a deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. Ramaphosa stated that while grievances are legitimate, protests must be peaceful and within constitutional bounds, emphasizing that intimidation and vandalism will not be tolerated. He condemned March and March's deadline as unconstitutional vigilantism, disguised as patriotism. The President acknowledged concerns about illegal immigration, border management, pressure on public services, and criminal syndicates, outlining government efforts to strengthen border controls, tighten enforcement, improve asylum and visa systems, and combat corruption. Ramaphosa drew a parallel to South Africa's history of pass laws, asserting that only law enforcement can demand identification. He welcomed assurances from some protest organizers against violence and highlighted support from various community leaders for the government's stance on reform and tolerance. Ramaphosa reminded citizens that many foreign nationals contribute positively to society and are entitled to constitutional protection, urging dialogue over confrontation to protect both the country's borders and its constitution.