Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has warned organisers of South Africa’s planned anti-illegal immigration protests that they could face both criminal charges and civil claims if demonstrations turn violent or result in damage to property.
Speaking during an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration briefing in Pretoria on Friday, Cachalia rejected claims that the planned nationwide action was in the public interest, arguing that it threatened the country’s economy, public safety and international reputation.
The protests, scheduled for June 30, are being organised by groups including March and March and Operation Dudula, which have called for stronger action against undocumented migrants. The government has responded by launching a nationwide security operation to maintain order during the demonstrations.
Cachalia said the state has a constitutional responsibility to protect everyone in South Africa, enforce the law and preserve public safety. He argued that those promoting disruptive action were harming citizens rather than advancing their interests by creating economic, financial, human and diplomatic costs for the country.
The acting minister confirmed that approximately R600 million has been allocated to strengthen policing ahead of the protests. The funding will support the deployment of additional officers, protect critical infrastructure and bolster public order operations in areas considered at risk.
He also warned that organisers could be held personally responsible if violence or destruction follows acts of incitement. In addition to criminal prosecution, those found liable could face civil claims for injuries, deaths or damage to public and private property resulting from unlawful actions linked to the protests.
Government ministers have repeatedly stressed that peaceful protest remains a constitutional right, but have insisted that intimidation, vigilantism, looting and attacks on individuals based on nationality will not be tolerated. Authorities have declared June 30 a normal working day and urged South Africans to allow law enforcement agencies to deal with immigration-related offences through legal processes.
The warnings come amid heightened tensions over illegal immigration across several provinces, where recent demonstrations have fuelled concerns about possible unrest. Police say they are prepared to respond swiftly to any attempts to undermine public order while ensuring that lawful demonstrations can proceed peacefully.
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