The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has appealed to participants in the anti-illegal immigration march planned for June 30 to act in a peaceful and orderly manner, warning that the province will be placed under heightened police visibility to ensure public safety.

SAPS spokesperson Colonel André Traut said law enforcement agencies are ready to respond to any eventuality linked to the planned demonstration, which forms part of ongoing public tensions over undocumented foreign nationals.

“Sufficient police resources will be deployed across the province to maintain law and order, protect all communities and ensure that the rights of all people are respected within the confines of the law.”

He added that SAPS would maintain a strong operational posture throughout the province and urged all participants to cooperate with police instructions.

“SAPS remains committed to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations and close cooperation with all stakeholders to ensure a safe and peaceful environment.”

The warning comes in the wake of unrest in Malmesbury yesterday, where approximately 350 community members from Ilingelethu took part in a march concerning undocumented foreign nationals.

Memorandums were handed over to SAPS, the Department of Home Affairs, Traffic Services and municipal law enforcement.

However, during the gathering, a group of young people from Ilingelethu and Saamstaan allegedly became disruptive, breaking open several spaza shops and resulting in incidents of looting.

Two suspects, aged 19 and 37, have been arrested in connection with housebreaking and theft.