South African authorities are ramping up security measures nationwide as a June 30 deadline approaches, set by fringe anti-immigration groups demanding the departure of undocumented foreigners, law enforcement officials announced Monday.
Tensions are rising in this major African economic hub after weeks of sporadic xenophobic violence that has resulted in at least two fatalities.
Though these small yet organized groups have issued ultimatums for undocumented migrants to leave the country, there’s no legal basis for such demands.
“The South African Police Service is enhancing its operational readiness across all provinces, with detailed deployment plans to safeguard communities, essential infrastructure, and public spaces,” Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stated.
Cachalia affirmed the commitment to peaceful protest rights but firmly warned, “Criminal acts, intimidation, violence, property damage, and any threats to public safety will be met with zero tolerance.”
Defense Minister Angie Motshekga declared that the military would secure strategic locations, including airports, and is prepared to assist police operations if necessary.
“We stand ready to support police efforts if the situation escalates, although we hope it won’t come to that,” she added, emphasizing the focus on key security points.
South Africa, a historical destination for migrant workers, confronts unemployment rates exceeding 30% and recurring anti-immigrant violence, often incited by accusations that migrants contribute to crime and job scarcity.
In 2008, xenophobic riots claimed 62 lives, with further violence erupting in 2015 and 2016. In 2019, clashes around Johannesburg targeted foreign-owned businesses, resulting in 12 deaths, including 10 South Africans.
These incidents underscore the current unrest, coinciding with the upcoming local government elections on November 4.
During the recent voter registration, four individuals linked to political parties were killed in separate shootings. The victims included two members of the opposition Umkhonto we Sizwe party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, a Democratic Alliance candidate in the Western Cape, and an African National Congress councillor in the Eastern Cape.
