According to a statement issued by the South African Government News Agency (SAnews), Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has assured South Africans that the SAPS, together with other law enforcement agencies, including metro police and the private security industry, is fully prepared for the planned nationwide demonstrations on June 30.

The statement said that extensive planning has been carried out at the national, provincial, and local levels to ensure that the demonstrations take place in a safe and orderly manner.

Dimpane made the remarks after meeting with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) and representatives of the private security industry. She described the industry as an important partner in fighting crime and maintaining public safety.

Valuable support

According to the statement, the private security sector has hundreds of thousands of officers deployed nationwide and provides valuable operational support to law enforcement.

Security officers are often the first eyes and ears on the ground, working in communities, business districts, shopping centres, industrial areas and residential neighbourhoods.

Dimpane said partnerships such as the Eyes and Ears Initiative and Business Against Crime South Africa continue to strengthen crime prevention efforts by improving communication and information sharing between police and private security companies.

She welcomed the commitment shown by the private security industry, saying cooperation between all security partners is vital to ensuring public safety.

Criminal conduct not tolerated

“Our objective is straightforward. We will protect lawful and peaceful demonstrations as provided for in our Constitution. At the same time, we will act decisively against any individual or group that seeks to engage in criminal conduct,” Dimpane said.

She warned that police would not tolerate the blocking of roads, intimidation of communities, destruction of property, attacks on businesses, looting or any acts of violence.

Anyone attempting to use the demonstrations to commit criminal offences would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

Dimpane also thanked PSIRA, private security leaders and participating companies for their commitment to supporting law enforcement.

She said the partnership would help protect communities, safeguard the economy and uphold the rule of law.

According to the statement, SAPS is determined to prevent a repeat of the widespread destruction and unrest experienced during the July 2021 riots.

Earlier this week, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced that R600m had been redirected within SAPS to strengthen operational readiness ahead of the demonstrations.

Calls to remain calm

Meanwhile, the Mondeor Community Policing Forum (CPF) has appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information ahead of the demonstrations.

In a message to residents, Mondeor CPF Sector 2 Chairperson Shane Thavar said any verified information affecting the area would be shared through official CPF WhatsApp groups. He urged residents not to circulate rumours or unconfirmed reports, saying misinformation often causes unnecessary panic and confusion.

Thavar assured residents that all local security structures remain operational and are actively monitoring the situation.

He added that practical safety advice would be shared with the community in the days leading up to the demonstrations to help residents remain informed and prepared.