KWAZULU-Natal police have issued a stern warning to individuals intending to participate in planned marches across the province on June 30, urging demonstrators to remain peaceful and comply with all lawful instructions issued by law enforcement officers.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Jesus Dome on Tuesday (June 23), Acting KZN Provincial Commissioner, Major General Phumelele Makoba, stated that police would not tolerate any form of criminality disguised as peaceful protest action.

Also read: Hundreds march against illegal foreigners in Durban

Makoba assured that June 30 is a normal working day in SA.

“Police will be out in full force to ensure that those who are going to work and conducting their businesses do so without fear of intimidation,” she said.

The warning comes after growing concerns over planned demonstrations targeting undocumented foreign nationals. 

Makoba stressed that while citizens have a constitutional right to protest, law enforcement agencies would act decisively against anyone who breaks the law.

“Those who are planning to take advantage of peaceful marches to commit crimes will face the full might of the law,” she said.

To intensify security and monitor protest activities, police will deploy various resources, including drones, to identify individuals engaging in unlawful conduct. 

Makoba informed the media that authorities have also continued engagements with march organisers to ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and within agreed parameters.

“We have been made aware that there were people who were conducting searches on fellow civilians and demanded proof of identification during marches. 

“We are reminding those who will be engaged in marches that no civilian is allowed to search another civilian, nor does any civilian have the authority to demand identification from another person. Those responsibilities belong solely to law enforcement officers,” said the acting commissioner.

While acknowledging public concerns surrounding illegal immigration, police reiterated that the enforcement of immigration laws remains the responsibility of the SAPS and other authorised government agencies.

According to police statistics, KZN authorities arrested 8556 undocumented foreign nationals between April 2025 and June 2026. The individuals arrested originated from 20 African countries, two European countries, six Asian countries and one South American country.

During the same period, 221 employers were sanctioned for employing undocumented foreign nationals or foreign nationals without valid work permits. The districts most affected were Amajuba, eThekwini and uMgungundlovu.

Also read: Foreign nationals say fear and pain are forcing them to leave

Makoba said police, together with other law enforcement agencies, government departments, Business Against Crime and private security partners operating under the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), have developed a comprehensive operational plan to ensure peace, stability and public safety before, during and after the planned marches.

“The first mandate of the police is to prevent crime. We have held a series of meetings with organisers, and the indication is that these marches will be peaceful demonstrations. However, police will deploy accordingly to ensure peace, order and stability throughout the province,” she said.

Makoba also reminded organisers that they are responsible for appointing marshals to help manage crowds and ensure participants comply with the law.

Police urged residents to remain calm and to report any criminal activity, intimidation or incitement to violence to the nearest police station.

For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter here