Police have assured the public that extensive security measures are in place ahead of Tuesday's planned anti-illegal immigration marches in KwaZulu-Natal, stressing that law enforcement will protect both demonstrators exercising their constitutional rights and members of the public.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia addressed South African Police Service (SAPS) members in Durban on Sunday, saying officers have not been deployed to prevent lawful and peaceful protests but to ensure they take place safely and without disruption.
Cachalia warned that while peaceful demonstrations would be respected, any acts of violence, intimidation, vandalism or incitement would be dealt with swiftly and within the confines of the law.
"Every member deployed on Tuesday, in the weeks and months following June 30, must remember that the authority of the police service is derived only from the law, and that your conduct must always remain within its limits, within its borders, within its requirements, within its mandates," he said.
"Professionalism, discipline and restraint are not optional. They are fundamental to policing in a constitutional democracy."
He added that authorities are taking preventative measures to ensure the country does not experience a repeat of the widespread violence and looting that followed the July 2021 unrest.
Acting KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Phumelele Makoba said police are fully prepared for any eventuality, with maximum deployments planned in identified hotspots based on crime intelligence.
"On Tuesday and beyond Tuesday, we'll have maximum deployment in various hotspots that have been identified by our crime intelligence," Makoba said.
She also sought to reassure residents that Tuesday remains a normal working day.
"Those that don't want to participate in marches must go to work, they must go to school, and continue with their daily activities. Those who want to participate in the marches are free to do so, and we'll be there in numbers as the police to make sure they are safe."
Meanwhile, a planned march in Durban is expected to begin at King Dinuzulu Park in the city centre at 10am.
The demonstration, organised by several civil society movements, will proceed along Dr Pixley KaSeme Street before turning left into Gillespie Street and continuing to the SAPS Point Police Station on South Beach.
Durban Metro Police have warned that all intersections along Dr Pixley KaSeme Street will be closed while the procession is underway. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and expect significant traffic congestion in and around the Durban CBD.
The march forms part of a broader national campaign calling for stronger action against illegal immigration in South Africa.