The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) says it has the capacity and readiness to police the weekly Thursday marches by the March and March group.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla explained that the entity is tasked with crime prevention, traffic management, and enforcement of municipal by-laws, and has prepared accordingly. “The JMPD has the necessary capacity, resource allocation, and tactical readiness to police these scheduled demonstrations. Our primary focus is ensuring that order is maintained across the City of Johannesburg.”

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He said an integrated operational deployment plan had been activated, including static points, mobile patrols, and specialised units placed along expected routes. “We are working in close coordination with SAPS and other key law enforcement stakeholders through joint operational centres to ensure a swift and synchronised response to any developing situation.”

On the question of routes, Fihla explained that formal march routes still need to be approved under the Regulation of Gatherings Act. However, law enforcement has already identified likely gathering points and transit corridors. “We have identified key economic hubs, high-traffic intersections, and historically sensitive zones as priority monitoring areas. Continuous threat assessments are being conducted to dynamically redeploy personnel as the situation demands.”

Fihla was firm on the department’s approach to crime during the marches. “The JMPD maintains a zero-tolerance approach to criminality, vandalism, and intimidation. Officers will not hesitate to act against individuals who break the law.”

He added that evidentiary teams and video monitoring would be used to record unlawful acts, with swift arrests for malicious damage to property, assault, or incitement.

When asked how the department would balance the constitutional right to protest with preventing harm to undocumented immigrants and other members of the public, Fihla said the right to peaceful protest does not extend to lawlessness. “This right does not extend to lawlessness, xenophobic targeting, intimidation, or taking the law into one’s own hands. Vigilantism or unauthorised operations targeting members of the public or businesses will be met with the full force of the law.”

He stressed that verifying a person’s immigration status remains the legal responsibility of the department of home affairs and SAPS, not private citizens or protest groups.

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Fihla advised commuters to plan their routes in advance, expect delays near major civic and economic centres, and follow official JMPD channels for real-time road closures. Business owners were advised to stay alert, keep private security measures active, and report any gatherings, crowds, or disruptive behaviour near their premises.

Members of the public were urged to remain calm but vigilant, avoid areas where unco-ordinated gatherings are taking place, and report any illegal acts or intimidation to the JMPD Emergency Call Centre on 011 375 5911 or SAPS on 10111.

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