Siphelele Nketo
EASTERN Cape police have placed all districts on high alert ahead of the nationwide protests scheduled for June 30, the deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa.
The police, who are part of the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJoints), indicated that the state of readiness has been elevated across all eight districts in anticipation of planned nationwide demonstrations. According to SAPS Eastern Cape, provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Vuyisile Ncata activated comprehensive contingency plans, including the reinforcement of personnel and the deployment of additional law enforcement resources.
“The SAPS have identified potential hotspots and will be supported by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in areas affected by gang-related violence,” SAPS Eastern Cape spokesperson Captain Majola Nkohli said. He said all eight districts will activate joint operational centres, leading up to the protest date, which will report to the provincial joint operational centre to ensure seamless coordination and real-time monitoring.
SAPS appealed to community leaders and organisers to work with law enforcement to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and orderly. Lieutenant General Ncata said that police will not hesitate to act against any acts of lawlessness, violence, intimidation or criminality.
“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,” concluded Lieutenant General Ncata.
