SAPS ready for 30 June protests as Cachalia warns: ‘No lawlessness, violence or intimidation will be tolerated’

Pretoria – The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it is prepared to respond to planned demonstrations scheduled for 30 June 2026, with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia warning that while the right to peaceful protest will be protected, criminal acts will not be tolerated.

Cachalia met with SAPS management, led by Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane, at the Tshwane Academy College in Pretoria on Saturday to receive a briefing on the police service’s state of readiness ahead of the planned protests.

The meeting was attended by deputy national commissioners, provincial commissioners and divisional commissioners responsible for operational and intelligence matters.

The Acting Minister said he was satisfied with the measures put in place by SAPS to ensure demonstrations are conducted in a safe and peaceful manner.

“While the constitutional right to peaceful protest will be respected, no acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation or criminality will be tolerated,” Cachalia said.

He said law enforcement operations would continue, including efforts to verify the legal status of foreign nationals living in South Africa.

“Weekly enforcement operations remain ongoing to verify the legal status of foreign nationals in the country. These operations are aimed at ensuring that all foreign nationals residing in South Africa are in the country legally and are in possession of valid documentation,” he said.

“Where violations of the law are identified, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law,” Cachalia added.

The Ministry of Police said Cachalia and the deputy ministers of police would in the coming week meet with the Minister of Defence, premiers from all nine provinces and representatives from the private security sector to strengthen coordination among security stakeholders.

Safety and security

The ministry will also visit areas identified as having experienced heightened instability to assess preparedness and reinforce policing efforts.

Cachalia urged provincial police commissioners to act firmly against any incidents of violence, intimidation or criminal activity.

“He has assured all South Africans that their safety and security remain a priority and that the SAPS remains fully committed to protecting all people in the Republic and upholding the Constitution by maintaining law and order while safeguarding the rights of everyone,” the ministry said.

SAPS said daily operational monitoring and assessments would continue throughout the week to identify potential threats and allow law enforcement agencies to respond quickly if required.