News Desk Reporter
The country remains stable as security preparations intensify ahead of the Local Government Elections, according to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS). The security structure is also coordinating plans for the 46th SADC Summit in Durban.
NATJOINTS said law and order continue to prevail across the country. Its latest security update covered election readiness, public order policing, border security, anti-illegal immigration operations and national preparedness.
The security structure said the nationwide demonstrations on 30 June tested the country’s coordinated security response. It said operations protected lives, property, critical infrastructure and the economy while ensuring constitutional rights were upheld. The country remained functional, with most South Africans able to continue their daily activities without disruption.
NATJOINTS also confirmed that the recent voter registration weekend concluded without any major security incidents. An election security plan was activated in support of the Electoral Commission. Law enforcement officers were deployed nationwide to secure registration stations and respond to incidents where necessary.
A broader operational plan has now been activated for the election period. It includes visible policing, intelligence gathering, protection of election infrastructure, rapid response teams, crowd management and coordination with the Electoral Commission and other stakeholders.
NATJOINTS also raised concern about the recent murders of political party members and councillors. It warned that anyone involved in politically motivated attacks or assassinations would be arrested and prosecuted.
Since the Political Killings Task Team was established in 2018, more than 400 suspects have been arrested. This includes more than 180 alleged hitmen linked to the murders of councillors, political leaders and party members.
Several politically motivated killings have been recorded since January. They include the murders of two MK Party members in Gauteng, a Democratic Alliance ward candidate in the Western Cape, two ANC councillors in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and two EFF members in Gauteng.
Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with those cases. NATJOINTS said those responsible for political violence would be brought before the courts. It said every effort would be made to ensure voters can exercise their democratic rights in a safe and peaceful environment.
Protest activity linked to anti illegal immigration campaigns has declined since the June demonstrations. Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal continue to experience isolated protests, although most have remained peaceful.
A total of 212 public order incidents were recorded during July. They included 128 peaceful marches, 70 gatherings, nine unrest-related incidents that required police intervention and five looting incidents. Police opened 205 criminal cases and arrested 354 suspects.
Government is continuing multidisciplinary enforcement operations targeting illegal employment, labour exploitation, undocumented migration and other forms of non-compliance. A total of 6,317 labour inspectors are conducting workplace inspections across the country.
Operation Shanela also continues across all provinces. The intelligence-driven operation targets wanted suspects, illegal firearms, drugs, organised crime, dangerous criminals and undocumented foreign nationals.
More than 16,208 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during July. The total since January has reached 59,947.
Compliance inspections at spaza shops are continuing nationwide. Officials are checking compliance with municipal bylaws, food safety regulations, business licensing requirements and immigration legislation where applicable.
Border security remains a priority. NATJOINTS said the Border Management Authority has strengthened operations through technology- and intelligence-led interventions. Joint operations involving the Border Management Authority, SAPS, SANDF, SARS Customs and other government departments are continuing.
As of 3 August, government had repatriated 77,184 undocumented foreign nationals. Between 1 April and 31 July, 18,816 people were formally deported, while a further 3,016 were awaiting deportation at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.
Government has also begun demobilising the Repatriation Centre in Musina following the processing and repatriation of thousands of undocumented foreign nationals. Just over 500 people remain at the facility and are expected to be repatriated in the coming days.
NATJOINTS urged the public not to spread misinformation on social media. It said several videos falsely linked criminal incidents to anti-illegal immigration campaigns, despite investigations showing there was no connection.
The security structure also confirmed it is fully prepared for the 46th SADC Summit in Durban. South Africa will host 12 Heads of State and Government, together with delegates from across the Southern African Development Community. Comprehensive security plans have already been activated.
NATJOINTS reiterated that South Africa is governed by the rule of law. It said no one is above the law and no one has the right to intimidate communities, destroy property, loot businesses or commit acts of violence.
Law enforcement agencies will continue enforcing the law while maintaining peace, stability and public safety.