South Africa Deploys Police and Military Ahead of June 30 Migrant Ultimatum

South Africa is preparing to tighten security across the country ahead of the June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant protest groups for undocumented foreigners to leave, Al Jazeera reported. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said on Monday that the police service has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces with comprehensive deployment plans in place.

The police will protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces, he said.

Criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated, Cachalia added. Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said the military will secure strategic sites such as airports and stand ready to assist police if needed. At least two people have died in weeks of xenophobic attacks.

Many African countries have sent aircraft to repatriate thousands of their nationals fleeing the violence. Small but organised protest groups have issued an ultimatum for undocumented migrants to exit South Africa or face consequences, a demand with no legal basis. South Africa faces unemployment above 30 percent.

Sixty-two people were killed in anti-migrant riots in 2008, with further violence in 2015 and 2016. In 2019, armed mobs attacked foreign-owned businesses around Johannesburg, leaving at least 12 people dead. The latest tensions come ahead of local government elections scheduled for November 4.

During voter registration at the weekend, gunmen shot dead four people linked with political parties. Two of the victims were affiliated with the opposition Umkhonto we Sizwe party. One was a Democratic Alliance ward candidate in the Western Cape, and one was an African National Congress ward councillor killed in the Eastern Cape.