Amajuba District SAPS announced this morning that is in an advanced state of readiness to deal with any disruptions that may arise from March and March protest action that begins tomorrow morning and is expected to continue well into next week.

Engagements between SAPS and external stakeholders, including Community Policing Forums, Neighbourhood Watches, Farmers Associations, private security companies, traffic, local and district municipalities and mall managers began on Tuesday, to put a comprehensive operational plan in place.

SAPS determined to maintain public order

Amajuba District SAPS Commissioner, Major General Fred Alexander is determined to ensure that public and private property is protected, that any planned protest action in solidarity with March and March takes place in an orderly and peaceful manner, that no people are hurt and that no laws are broken.

In an interview with the Newcastle Advertiser this afternoon, Alexander said he will be on the ground himself over the next week to monitor ‘hot spots’ that were identified by Crime Intelligence.

“June 30 will be a normal working day,” said Alexander, referring to the March and March deadline for illegal immigrants to leave the country, and the organisation’s call for a national shutdown. “Nobody will hold us ransom.”

“SAPS is continuing to deal with issues of immigration compliance together with the relevant departments, but in a coordinated way.”

Law breakers will be charged

Employers or landlords who harbour or employ illegal immigrants could face fines of R10 000 per person and possible criminal charges.

On the other hand, ordinary civilians who illegally enter private premises to search for foreign nationals or demand to see their identity documents can also be arrested and charged.

Any person who insults another person or embarrasses them in a manner that impairs their dignity can be arrested and charged with crimen injuria.

Any person who enters a private property without consent to search for foreigners can be arrested and charged with trespassing.

Any person who threatens someone to leave, threatens to burn down a business, demands identity documents from a person or makes any other threat that instills fear, can be arrested and charged with intimidation.

Any person who threatens to assault someone, or assaults someone, can be arrested and charged with assault.

Report all incidents

Members of the public are urged to report any incidents of violence or intimidation to the District Operational Command Centre on 082 469 9409 so that it can be attended to immediately.

“No matter how insignificant you think it is, please still report it as it could lead to something significant,” urges Alexander.

A March and March protest is expected to take place tomorrow morning (June 27) at 9am from the traffic lights at Allwear to Trim Park. Please plan ahead for traffic disruptions that may arise.

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