GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND R600 MILLION IN PREPARATION FOR JUNE 30

Acting Police Minister, Firoz Cachalia says that the police and other law enforcement agencies are ready for anything that could happen on June 30 and will not allow any violence, intimidation or disruption.

Government has declared the security response a special operation, with preparations expected to cost tax payers R600 million.

Cachalia said peaceful protest is a constitutional right but warned against violence or carrying dangerous weapons.

He said police are ready to maintain law and order and will not allow violence, intimidation and disruptions.

“I hope I’m not going to eat my words, but the police are ready. We have declared this a special operation. What is not negotiable is the safety and security of infrastructure and our people,” he said.

“June the 30th is a normal day. A normal day can include protests but not violence,” he said.

Cachalia briefed the media on Tuesday following engagements with police management and community policing representatives, amid growing concern over calls for nationwide action targeting foreign nationals and businesses.

“We will be meeting with all the premiers and mayors to ensure we are in a position to deal with any eventuality.” he said.

Cachalia warned that South Africa could not afford a repeat of the widespread violence and looting that engulfed KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July 2021 following the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma.

“The country cannot afford another July
2021,’ he said.

He reiterated that while citizens had a constitutional right to protest, any acts of violence, intimidation or vigilantism would not be tolerated.

Cachalia is met with President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday evening as the government continues to assess the security situation ahead of the demonstrations.

All police leave has been cancelled in anticipation to the date.