The Acting National Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia, says extensive measures are in place to ensure the country remains safe and secure ahead of planned demonstrations on 30 June.

Addressing the media on Monday, Cachalia said the SAPS has heightened its operational readiness across all provinces, with deployment plans aimed at protecting communities, critical infrastructure and public spaces.

He also revealed that preparations for possible unrest are costing the country around R600 million, money which could otherwise have gone towards improving community safety and policing infrastructure.

The R600 million will be used to deploy additional officers on the ground, with the SANDF on standby should it be called to assist.

Cachalia said law enforcement agencies will conduct daily operational assessments and security monitoring to respond quickly to any emerging threats. Daily briefings will also allow police to adjust deployments and allocate resources where needed.

He stressed that while South Africans have the constitutional right to protest peacefully, criminal acts would not be tolerated.

“Everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law. However, criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated. The rule of law will prevail.”

The minister said SAPS remains the lead agency responsible for maintaining public order but could request support from the South African National Defence Force if additional capacity is required.

Government will this week engage with premiers from all nine provinces to ensure a coordinated approach to maintaining stability and the uninterrupted functioning of essential services.

Cachalia is visiting Cape Town on Tuesday to assess operational preparedness and engage with police management and community policing representatives in Nyanga.

Over the weekend, Cachalia met with provincial and divisional commissioners to review readiness plans ahead of the demonstrations. He said he was satisfied that SAPS was prepared to uphold and enforce the law.

The ministry also confirmed that engagement is taking place with the private security industry and traditional leaders, including representatives of the Zulu Royal House, to promote messages of peace and non-violence.

Government has urged South Africans to express concerns lawfully and peacefully, while warning that anyone involved in violence, intimidation or other unlawful activities would face the full force of the law.