The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says reports suggesting that soldiers will be deployed in anticipation of planned marches and protest action next month are false and misleading.
The clarification comes as the anti-illegal immigration group “March and March” prepares for a planned shutdown on 30 June, calling for the immediate mass deportation of undocumented immigrants living in South Africa.
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said the military respects the constitutional right to peaceful protest but denied that any preparations had been made for deployment linked to the planned demonstrations.
“At no stage has the SANDF issued any directive or made preparations for the deployment of its members in relation to the activities announced to take place on 30 June,” Dlamini said.
He added that the SANDF distances itself from the claims and warned against misinformation that could create unnecessary public alarm and undermine trust in state institutions.
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