Umhlali police say extensive measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of residents and businesses during next Tuesday’s planned national shutdown.

According to Umhlali Saps spokesperson, Sergeant Makhosi Khumalo, joint visible policing and patrol operations will be carried out by Saps, Public Order Policing, Community Police Forums (CPFs), Community in Blue, the Youth Crime Desk Prevention, neighbourhood watch patrollers and private security companies.

The nationwide shutdown on Tuesday (June 30) is being promoted by anti-illegal immigration group March and March, who earlier this month protested in KwaDukuza, and others.

“While peaceful protest is a constitutional right, any acts of violence, intimidation, criminality or damage to property will not be tolerated,” said Khumalo.

“We urge residents to remain calm, vigilant and responsible when sharing information on social media.

“Please verify all information before forwarding messages, as unverified rumours can create unnecessary panic and confusion. If you are uncertain about any information received, contact your local Ward CPF chairperson or the Saps Umhlali CPF for verification.”

Ward CPF chairpersons can be reached at the following numbers:

• Ward 3: Zinhle Dlomo, 065 328 8183.
• Ward 4: Tammy Soobramoney, 065 159 937.
• Ward 6: Lionel Stringer, 071 929 0429.
• Ward 7: Nkosinathi Mkhize, 067 740 7768.
• Ward 8: Maria Ngwane, 060 395 5209.
• Ward 20: Siye Lathia, 063 050 0862.
• Ward 21: Mfanafuthi Ntuli, 073 394 6136.
• Ward 22: Stuart Weston, 082 360 8997.
• Ward 23: Siyabonga Ntshangase, 063 938 6412.
• Ward 28: Ronalden Govender, 063 614 4880.
• Ward 30: Walter Schotter, 084 591 3281.

Residents may also contact Saps Umhlali CPF Exco chairperson Josha Daniel at 081 765 4561, the Saps Umhlali CPF office on 032 061 3333, or email info.sapsumhlali.cpf@gmail.com for assistance or to verify information.

Police repeated that being in South Africa without the required documentation is a contravention of the Immigration Act and that employers who knowingly employ undocumented foreign nationals may face penalties.

Undocumented foreign nationals seeking to return to their countries of origin can contact their respective embassies for transport assistance.