Pretoria: Police Deputy Minister Polly Boshielo has issued a stern warning that authorities will not tolerate any form of vigilantism, xenophobic violence, intimidation, or lawlessness during the upcoming events on 30 June. Boshielo emphasized that law enforcement officers are guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, which remains the supreme authority in their duties.
According to South African Government News Agency, Boshielo addressed a police parade at FNB Stadium on Friday, emphasizing the mandate of law enforcement to arrest and deport individuals in the country unlawfully, ensuring that this is executed fairly and lawfully. She highlighted the importance of impartiality among police officers, stressing that their allegiance should be to the law to protect law-abiding citizens and legally residing foreign nationals from violence and harm.
Boshielo underscored the preventive nature of the police deployment, stating that the officers are not only tasked with responding to violence but also with preventing it. She pointed out the significance of visible policing, noting that a marked vehicle and a trained officer serve as a potent deterrent against criminal behavior.
The Deputy Minister urged officers to act promptly when there are signs of potential unrest, advising early and decisive intervention. She also called for active engagement with community structures to maintain calm and clearly communicate legal boundaries to prevent violence.
Boshielo mentioned that crime intelligence and security agencies are actively working to identify and prosecute individuals instigating violence. She warned that those inciting violence or targeting foreign nationals would be treated as criminal suspects and investigated thoroughly.
Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced that R600 million has been reallocated within the South African Police Service (SAPS) budget to ensure operational readiness for the demonstrations. He highlighted the need for enhanced coordination and support due to the additional strain on resources and assured that SAPS, along with metro police and private security partners, is well-prepared to manage the planned demonstrations across the country.