Yasmin Bilal
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has called on law enforcement officers to act with discipline, fairness and restraint as nationwide deployments are prepared for 30 June.
Speaking in Durban today, Cachalia said policing must remain firmly grounded in constitutional principles.
“Our role is to uphold the Constitution, enforce the law without fear, favour or prejudice, and ensure that public order is maintained,” he said.
He said officers must balance the rights of demonstrators with the rights of the wider public.
“You are entrusted with protecting both the rights of those who choose to demonstrate and the rights of every other person who lives, works or travels through affected communities,” he said.
Cachalia said police are not deployed to prevent lawful protest action, but to ensure it takes place in a safe and orderly manner.
“We are there to protect life, safeguard property, prevent criminality and respond swiftly where individuals seek to exploit legitimate grievances,” he said.
He warned that criminal conduct during gatherings will not be tolerated.
At the same time, he stressed that officers must exercise professionalism and restraint at all times.
“Professionalism, discipline and restraint are not optional. They are fundamental to policing in a constitutional democracy,” he said.
He said every operational decision must be lawful and proportionate.
“Every decision, every instruction and every action must be lawful, proportionate and accountable,” he said.
Cachalia urged officers to remain calm under pressure and avoid conduct that could undermine public trust.
“Do not be provoked into conduct that undermines the badge you wear or the oath you have taken,” he said.
He added that coordination and communication will be critical as public gatherings can escalate quickly.
“Good planning, clear communication and effective coordination will be critical,” he said.
He said professionalism displayed during operations will influence public confidence in policing.
“Your professionalism has the power to build confidence in policing and demonstrate that the rule of law remains the cornerstone of our democracy,” he said.
The Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration has confirmed that 30 June will be treated as a normal working day. It warned that any intimidation, violence or disruption will be met with the full force of the law.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi said the State remains responsible for enforcing the law and protecting all people in the country.
“No unauthorised individuals are permitted to demand documentation or proof of nationality from members of the public,” she said.
She added that blocking access to essential services such as schools and healthcare facilities is unlawful.
In the Free State, SAPS held a State of Readiness Parade at Bobbiespark on Sunday as part of preparations for the expected demonstrations.
The parade brought together law enforcement role players, operational commanders and private security stakeholders under the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.
The programme opened with a prayer and scripture reading from the book of Deuteronomy, followed by a briefing from Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia.
He said the Constitution remains the supreme law of the country and called on officers to act professionally, avoid provocation and maintain order while allowing peaceful activity to continue.
He stressed that law enforcement must act decisively against criminal behaviour.
MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport Jabu Mbalula said coordination between stakeholders is essential to ensure stability, adding that communities must not be influenced by individuals with personal agendas or criminal intent.
Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale said enforcement operations are focused on illegal activity and those who exploit the system, not law-abiding citizens.
“There is a misconception that our forces are targeting South Africans. That is not so,” he said.
He said public demonstrations must remain within the law.
“You have no right to assault people while you protest. Those who do so will be arrested,” he said.
Mathale added that municipalities must strengthen their law enforcement, while cooperation between all security partners remains essential.
The parade concluded with a march past inspected by the Deputy Minister.