Anti-immigration protests: Police to deploy ahead of June 30 deadline

Johannesburg – Gauteng Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni says law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to deal with any unrest that may arise around the 30 June deadline set by anti-immigration groups for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.

According to News24, police have developed operational plans and are closely monitoring developments through intelligence structures.

Mthombeni stressed that while citizens have a constitutional right to protest peacefully, police will act decisively against any violence, intimidation, vigilantism, or criminal activity.

Authorities are particularly concerned about the possibility of unrest linked to growing anti-immigration demonstrations that have taken place across parts of the country in recent weeks.

Arrest and prosecution

The warning comes as several anti-immigration groups continue to mobilise support ahead of 30 June, demanding stronger action against illegal immigration.

Police and the broader security cluster have urged calm and warned that anyone breaking the law under the guise of protest will face arrest and prosecution.

Mthombeni also reassured residents that Gauteng remains stable and that law enforcement agencies are ready to safeguard communities, businesses, and critical infrastructure should tensions escalate.

A reported by EWN, Gauteng provincial head of visible policing, Brigadier Mark Joseph, said the operation will be activated on the night of 29 June, with all law enforcement agencies across the province expected to provide continuous updates on the situation.

“Law enforcement will deal with each situation on its own merits and apply situational appropriateness to prevent the loss of life. Blockading of main routes and attacks on foreign truck drivers,” said Joseph, according to the report.

“This one is imminent, and we will ensure deployment on all identified routes to prevent attacks,”