South Africa’s Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has warned organisers of anti-immigrant protests that their activities have economic, financial, human and diplomatic costs for the country.
Speaking at the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration briefing in Pretoria on Friday, Cachalia said the government has a duty to protect citizens, uphold the law, and keep the country safe and secure.
“There is a narrative out there, propagated by those who are organising this reckless and disruptive behaviour, that they are acting in the interests of our citizens and our people. In fact, their behaviour has economic, financial, human and diplomatic costs,” said Cachalia.
“Indeed, they are acting in a way that harms our citizens, their well-being and our national interests.
“It is the responsibility of the government, including law enforcement agencies, to defend our people, defend our sovereignty and uphold the law, ensuring that the country is safe and secure.
“Those involved in organising this disruptive behaviour, accompanied by violence — and we have heard that there have been fatalities — will have to bear the costs of their criminal actions. They will also be held civilly liable.”
His comments come as South Africa prepares for mass protests against undocumented immigration on 30 June. The protests are being led by groups including the March and March movement and Operation Dudula.
The government has already launched a special policing operation for the day. Cachalia said about R600 million has been set aside for the response, including extra officers and protection of key infrastructure.
Cachalia warned that organisers of disruptive behaviour involving violence could face criminal charges and civil liability for damages.
“So those who are involved in organising this disruptive behaviour accompanied by violence, we have heard that there have been fatalities, will have to pay the costs of both their criminal actions, and they will also be held civilly liable,” he said.
“I do not know if many of them are aware that they can be held civilly liable for any injury or damage to property that is the result of their efforts at incitement.
“So, what we’re experiencing is not costless. And that must become part of the national conversation.”
March and March leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma said that the South African government must take full responsibility for whatever happens during the nationwide action.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, 24 June, Ngobese-Zuma said it wasn’t their job to protect the country – that falls to the government.
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