The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has activated a comprehensive operational plan in response to recent unrest in parts of the country linked to undocumented migrants.
The plan focuses on three key areas: enhanced visibility and rapid deployment capabilities, intelligence-led operations, and targeted crime-combatting interventions. Authorities are closely monitoring identified hotspots, including the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape.
Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane stressed that criminal behaviour cannot be justified under any circumstances.
“No circumstance can justify murder, the destruction of property, xenophobic attacks, or any other criminal conduct. We have laws in this country, and we have a Constitution that will not protect any person who acts outside the prescriptions and provisions of the law. Violence is not activism. Intimidation is not community protection. Criminal conduct remains criminal conduct,” Dimpane said.
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Government has strongly condemned recent incidents of xenophobic violence and intimidation directed at foreign nationals.
The provincial government said such actions are unlawful, undermine public safety, and threaten economic stability. Mediators have been deployed to affected communities in an effort to ease tensions and prevent further unrest.
Residents have been urged to reject violence and raise concerns about immigration through lawful and constitutional channels.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde said authorities will work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for criminal acts are held accountable.
“This cannot be tolerated. We have a constitutional democracy, and we believe in the rule of law. Of course, we cannot act illegally in this way. It is not who we are as South Africans, and it does not align with the spirit of Ubuntu. We must ensure that the rule of law prevails,” Winde said.
VOC News
Photo: @SAPoliceService/X
