Edited by Bev Mortimer: The Eastern Cape (EC) Provincial, Commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata, has activated comprehensive contingency plans, reinforcement officers and ‘a state of readiness’ across all eight EC districts in anticipation of planned nationwide demonstrations scheduled for month end, 30 June, next week.
This follows the announcement yesterday by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, who called on all those participating in planned demonstrations against illegal immigration at the end of June to protest peacefully and within the bounds of the law. “Our message is clear: the full might of the law will be brought to deal decisively with anyone who seeks to undermine the safety, security and constitutional order of our Republic.
“We call on every South African to reject violence, to uphold the rule of law and to work with law enforcement in maintaining peace and stability,” Cachalia said in a meeting with the Press.
Cachalia assured the public that government has taken extensive measures to ensure that the country remains safe and secure.
EC Provincial Commissioner, Ncata, also said the SAPS has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces. “There will be daily operational assessments and continuous monitoring of the security environment to ensure our deployments remain responsive to any emerging risks,” he said.
The SAPS, part of the Eastern Cape Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJoints) has identified potential hotspots and will be supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in areas affected by gang-related violence. The eight districts will activate Joint Operational Centres (JOCs) leading up to the protest date, which will report to the Provincial Joint Operational Centre (PROV JOC) to ensure seamless coordination and real-time monitoring.
“While we acknowledge and respect the constitutional right of citizens to engage in peaceful demonstrations, we will not hesitate to act against any acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation, or criminality,” Lieutenant General Ncata said. “We have bolstered our manpower across the province and are calling on all protesters to conduct themselves responsibly and within the bounds of the law. No private person (s) will be allowed to assume the duties and responsibilities of the law enforcement agencies.
Ncata added that the SAPS appeals to community leaders and organisers to work with law enforcement to ensure that the demonstrations remain peaceful and orderly.
Acting Police Minister, Cachalia also told the media yesterday everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law. “However, criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated.”
He said SAPS remains the lead law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public order and the SANSF may augment existing policing capacity to ensure that sufficient operational resources are available,” the acting Minister said.
Daily briefings will allow law enforcement to adjust operational plans where necessary and ensure that adequate resources are deployed at all times.
“Minister of Defence and Military Veteran, Angie Motshekga, and I are satisfied that the necessary coordination mechanisms across the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster are in place to respond swiftly and effectively to any eventuality.
“As part of strengthening our national state of readiness, we will this week be engaging with Premiers across all nine provinces to ensure there is a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to maintaining peace, stability and the uninterrupted functioning of essential services,” the acting Minister said.
“To all South Africans, I want to assure you that Government is prepared. Our law enforcement agencies are coordinated, our operational plans are in place, and we will continue to monitor the situation daily,” Cachalia said.
Police will continue to monitor and assess its operational preparedness on the ground.
“Over the weekend, I met with all Provincial Commissioners, together with the Divisional Commissioners responsible for operational policing, to review our plans, assess our state of readiness and ensure that every province is fully prepared.”
Acting Minister Cachalia said in ongoing efforts to promote peace and stability, the JCPS Cluster led by Minister Mamoloko Kubayi met with the leadership of the Zulu Royal House, led by Prime Minister Thulasizwe Buthelezi. “We appreciate the constructive engagement and the commitment shown by traditional leadership in supporting messages of peace, tolerance and non-violence.
“We acknowledge that many South Africans have genuine concerns about issues affecting our country,” he added that the Government hears those concerns, but those concerns must always be expressed lawfully, peacefully and without resorting to violence or intimidation,” the acting Minister Cachalia added.
The SAPS has appealedto community leaders and organisers to work with law enforcement to ensure that the demonstrations remain peaceful and orderly. “Those contemplating acts of lawlessness are urged to refrain from doing so as the SAPS will enforce the law.”
St Francis Chronicle 