THE maximum deployment of police officers and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in affected parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng will remain in place until peace and stability have been restored.

Amid threats of further violent anti-immigration protests from Monday, the State says it remains firmly in control of its security response.

Since Thursday, anti-immigration groups have staged protests that have left a trail of destruction, with more than 20 vehicles reportedly torched in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. Several buildings rented by immigrants in Durban’s CBD were also reportedly targeted.

The destruction of property and protests prompted a large deployment of police officers and SANDF members, who were stationed at the Department of Home Affairs’ Durban Refugee Reception Office on Che Guevara Road and conducted regular patrols in parts of the city.

Also Read: Home Affairs withdraws asylum directive amid nationwide backlash

Addressing security concerns during a media briefing at the KwaZulu-Natal Police Headquarters in Durban on Saturday night (October 10), Deputy National Commissioner for Policing and NATJOINTS chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said decisive interventions had been implemented to maintain “law and order, protect lives and property, and safeguard the safety and security of communities”.

Mosikili said law enforcement agencies were making progress in containing the violence, apprehending perpetrators and restoring stability in affected areas.

“The state is firmly in control of its security response, the authority of the law will be upheld, and no individual or group will be permitted to hold
communities, public institutions or lawful activities to ransom through intimidation, violence or the destruction of property,” she said, confirming that maximum operational deployments of police officers would continue alongside the army.

“The South African National Defence Force has also been activated in KwaZulu-Natal under, in support of the South African Police Service. This forms part of a decisive,
coordinated response to strengthen stabilisation efforts and support the maintenance of law and order. Additional reinforcement requirements are being assessed in line
with operational needs.

“The incidents in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, involving the burning of vehicles, damage to buildings, looting and confrontations within communities, required an
immediate and coordinated response. The destruction of property and intimidation of individuals are not legitimate expressions of grievance. They are criminal acts that
threaten lives, undermine livelihoods, disrupt essential services and erode the safety and stability of communities.”

She added that NATJOINTS would continue to coordinate intelligence, deployments, investigations and interdepartmental interventions to prevent further escalation and maintain stability.

“Our priority remains the protection of life and property, the preservation of public order and the uninterrupted functioning of communities and essential services. The rule of law will prevail.”

For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook ,X or  Instagram. You an also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.

Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here