The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) has called on organisers and participants of nationwide protests against undocumented foreign nationals to honour their commitments to authorities and ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and within the confines of the law.
Addressing a media briefing on Monday, Natjoints Co-Chairperson and Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili warned that law enforcement would act decisively against any acts of vigilantism, violence or criminality during the protests.
Mosikili urged demonstrators to exercise their constitutional right to protest responsibly.
"We call upon every organiser and every participant to honour their commitment under the law, exercise your constitutional right respectfully and peacefully, cooperate with marshals and law enforcement officials, and respect the agreed rules and conditions," she said.
She added that organisers intending to submit memorandums should do so through the appropriate government channels.
"Those who intend to hand over a memorandum must do so to the relevant state authority. Those who choose violence, looting, road blockades, attacks on public officials or any other criminal conduct should expect immediate law enforcement action. Arrests will be effected immediately," Mosikili warned.
Meanwhile, the South African Police Service in the Western Cape says no incidents had been reported across the province as protests commenced on Tuesday.
Thousands of police officers have been deployed to identified hotspot areas, while additional personnel remain on standby to respond should the situation escalate.
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile said police were fully prepared to maintain public order while ensuring the safety of residents.
"We're close to 6,000 members that are out there today. That's the first phase of the deployment. As the day progresses, other personnel will be coming in. We're expecting to have about 7,000 members deployed by the end of the day. There are also officers coming in later tonight to continue operations tomorrow and through until Friday," Patekile said.
He said dedicated response teams had also been established to deal with any potential unrest.
"We'll be deploying across all areas, and we've got dedicated teams that are ready to respond to any eventualities. They are on standby for deployment to all identified hotspot areas, and the entire province is covered," he said.
Authorities have reiterated their appeal for protesters to remain peaceful, warning that while the right to demonstrate is protected by the Constitution, any acts of violence, intimidation or destruction of property will be met with swift law enforcement action.