“The Republic of South Africa is governed by the rule of law, not by threats, fear or intimidation. The Constitution will be protected; public safety will be protected… the authority of the State will be upheld.”  

This was the sentiment of the chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili, during a briefing on Monday night. 

This is as NATJOINTS warned protestors taking part in Tuesday’s demonstrations against undocumented migrants not to test the resolve of the state.  

Mosikili confirmed that operations had already got underway, ahead of planned protests. She said several policing agencies remain on high alert, adding that the security operation follows weeks of meticulous planning.  

She said officials are ready to act swiftly if protestors deviate from peaceful and calm demonstrations. 

“The State is ready. Law enforcement is ready. South Africa is ready.  Contingency plans have been tested.  There will be no security vacuum. There is a clear distinction between exercising democratic rights and committing criminal offences,” said Mosikili.  

She said those who organised the protest action have promised peaceful demonstrations. 

“Coordinators of the marches and demonstrators have assured South Africans that they are [planning for a peaceful demonstration]… Anyone who crosses that line must expect a full and immediate consequence of law.” 

But she reminded those who will be taking part what they should avoid:

• No individual or group will be allowed to undermine the authority of the State.  

• No one will be allowed to intimidate communities. 

• No one will be allowed to shut down the economy.   

• No one will be allowed to prevent law-abiding citizens from going to work, attending school, accessing healthcare facilities or conducting business.  

• No one will be permitted to damage public infrastructure, loot businesses, attack law enforcement officers or incite violence.  

She also added that no dangerous weapons, such as firearms, knives and traditional weapons, will be allowed. 

Repatriation processes 

Meanwhile, in the weeks leading up to 30 June, thousands of foreign nationals have heeded calls for their departure, citing fear for their safety. 

Mosikili confirmed that 25,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated, adding that the process is still ongoing. 

And because repatriation processes continue, Mosikili noted that buses transporting foreign nationals are under strict law enforcement escort.  

“These measures are intended to safeguard the integrity of the repatriation process, maintain public order and ensure that all repatriations are conducted in a secure, lawful and dignified manner.” 

Arrest for anti-migrant sentiment 

Mosikili said the arrests made in recent weeks, related to an anti-foreigner sentiment, should serve as an illustration that NATJOINTS will deal with those who “step out of line”.

She said that 195 people have been arrested since 1 March, with most of the arrests made in the Free State, where 153 people were taken into custody. In the Western Cape, 14 arrests were carried out in connection with 15 related cases.  

“Equally, those who are in the country illegally are being arrested. Just this past week, more than 2800 have been arrested, and since January 2026 to date, more than 50 000 have been arrested. The total fatalities on anti-foreigner sentiment to date are standing at four, two in KZN and two in the Western Cape.”

In conclusion, Mosikili urged citizens to reject division, violence, xenophobia and lawlessness. 

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