Community policing forums (CPFs), the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) have assured residents that extensive security plans are in place ahead of activities planned for June 30, while urging the public not to spread misinformation.

The Douglasdale CPF said it was aware of concerns being raised regarding June 30, and was working closely with Douglasdale SAPS, security partners, and other relevant stakeholders to monitor developments. The CPF encouraged residents in a notice posted on their social media pages, to remain calm, stay vigilant, and avoid sharing unverified information. Residents were urged to verify information before sharing it on WhatsApp groups or social media platforms, to report suspicious activity, or credible information, to SAPS, their security provider, or the appropriate CPF channels, and continue following verified sources and official communications.

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Similarly, the Honeydew CPF said it had received numerous questions and concerns regarding planned marches being discussed for June 30. The forum urged residents not to rely solely on social media posts, forwarded messages, or rumours, warning that information can spread quickly without verification. “Before reacting or sharing information, please confirm it through trusted and official channels,” the CPF said.

The Honeydew CPF added that there was currently no confirmed information of any planned marches within the Honeydew policing precinct. However, it said identified hotspots would be closely monitored by SAPS, the CPF, and private security partners.

It also said it remained actively engaged with multiple joint operational command (JOC) centres, where operational partners continue sharing information to ensure a co-ordinated response, should circumstances change.

The Bramley CPF also briefed residents on preparations for the planned national anti-immigration shutdown, outlining national and local operational plans aimed at maintaining safety and order. According to the CPF, the justice, crime prevention, and security (JCPS) cluster has launched a R600m national security operation, following media releases by Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia.

The operation adopts what authorities described as a zero-tolerance approach to prevent a repeat of the 2021 unrest. National measures include the deployment of SAPS, public order policing units, and specialised teams to intelligence-identified hotspots. Private security companies will support SAPS through the deployment of helicopters, drones, and personnel, while the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) remains on standby should additional support be required.

Authorities have also engaged essential service providers to ensure municipal services, hospitals, and major transport routes continue operating.

Locally, Bramley SAPS Station Commander Colonel Lionel Chetty has activated a full-scale operational plan. The Bramley CPF said all operational members, including visible policing, support, and detective units, have been placed on high-alert standby until July 3.

A joint task team, comprising SAPS, JMPD, private security, the department of home affairs (DHA), and the CPF has also been established to monitor the Bramley policing precinct.

Law enforcement members will work continuous operations in two 12-hour shifts from June 29 until July 3.

Residents and businesses in the precinct have been advised to prepare for possible traffic disruptions, avoid circulating unverified information, and immediately report suspicious gatherings or possible illegal blockades through official CPF or SAPS channels.

Businesses have also been advised to consider closing on June 30 to prioritise staff safety and reduce potential traffic congestion.

Meanwhile, the JMPD has warned motorists, commuters, and the public to expect significant traffic disruptions on June 30, due to three legally approved marches taking place in the Johannesburg CBD, Hillbrow, and Glen Austin in Midrand.

Integrated law enforcement teams, including JMPD and SAPS public order policing, will be deployed across the city to monitor the routes, manage traffic, and maintain public safety.

The department said significant traffic delays are expected between 07:00 and 16:00, with officers remaining on high alert before, during, and after the marches to respond to any spontaneous protests, pickets, or gatherings.

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The first approved march, organised by March & March, is expected to attract about 5 000 participants. The procession will begin at Beyers Naudé Square and proceed to Constitution Hill, where a memorandum will be handed to the Hillbrow station commander.

“A second march, organised by the Labour and Civic Organisation, is expected to draw about 1 200 participants. The procession will start near Constitution Hill and end at the department of home affairs on Plein Street, where participants intend raising concerns regarding illegal immigration policies,” said JMPD’s Xolani Fihla in a media statement.

The third approved march, organised by the Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement, is expected to involve about 800 participants in Glen Austin, Midrand. “Participants will march from the Dale Road and Modderfontein Road intersection to the Sandton Plant Hire offices to submit a memorandum regarding local youth employment opportunities.”

Fihla said rolling road closures and traffic barricades would be implemented along the approved routes as the processions move through the city.

Motorists have been urged to avoid affected roads where possible, follow the instructions of traffic officers, and consider alternative routes during the day.

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