South African police are on alert for planned demonstrations against undocumented migrants on 30 June. Officials reported the repatriation of 5,000 Malawian nationals and stressed that peaceful protests will be allowed but lawlessness will not be tolerated.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia met South African Police Service management in Pretoria on 20 June. He said the force is prepared for the marches while weekly operations continue to check the legal status of foreign nationals.
Cachalia stated that the right to peaceful protest will be respected but acts of violence or intimidation will not be tolerated. Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane echoed this, saying police will enforce the law if it is broken.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi confirmed that 5,000 undocumented Malawians have been repatriated. A new temporary processing site was opened in Durban to handle the returns.
The March and March group held a protest in Cape Town on 20 June with around 60 participants. A smaller march took place in Sea Point on 16 June.
