Picture: More police officials deployed ahead of anticipated June 30/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
29 June 2026 – After weeks of detailed and integrated planning, the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) under the co-Chairperson leadership of the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, would like to assure the people of North West that comprehensive and coordinated operational plans have been activated to ensure the safety and security of all residents, visitors, businesses and travellers during the planned demonstrations relating to anti-foreigner sentiments and irregular migration.
Naidoo said the Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) has intensified operational planning and coordination across the province. He further said a heightened police presence and other security entities have been deployed at identified areas, including major routes, business districts, ports of entry and other critical infrastructure, to maintain public order and respond swiftly to any incidents.
“The PROVJOC (Provincial Joint Operational Centre) is fully activated and operational on a 24-hour basis from 27 June 2026. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is ready and prepared to police any planned demonstrations across the province and there will be no shutdown tolerated.
“Essential services, businesses, ports of entry and economic activities will continue to operate, while police members remain deployed to ensure the safety and security of all community members. We would like to reiterate that SAPS fully respects and will protect the constitutional right of every person to assemble, demonstrate and protest peacefully and within the confines of the law,” added Naidoo.
However, he warned that any acts of violence, intimidation, public disorder, malicious damage to property, looting, road blockades, attacks on businesses, disruption of essential services or interference with critical infrastructure will not be tolerated and will be dealt with decisively. Naidoo said all irregular migrants are reminded to comply with the country’s immigration laws and must possess valid documentation authorising their presence in the Republic.
“The police in cooperation with the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs and other relevant government departments, will continue to support lawful operations aimed at identifying and addressing violations of South Africa’s immigration legislation. We would also like to remind individuals, organisations and community structures that they do not have the authority to enforce immigration laws or take the law into their own hands.
“Immigration enforcement remains the responsibility of authorised state agencies acting within the framework of the law. Furthermore, temporary transit processing centres were established in each district for irregular migrants, who want to go home,” he said.
Naidoo said in Bojanala Platinum District, they can go to Ben Marais Hall in Rustenburg and Madibeng Sports Ground in Brits, in Ngaka Modiri Molema, they can go to Moshawane Community Centre in Mahikeng. He said those who are in the Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District can go to Kismet Community Hall in Vryburg, while in Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, can go to Philemon Masinga Stadium in Khuma, Potchefstroom Trim Park, Matlosana Recreational Centre in Klerksdorp and Wolmaransstad Town Hall.
“Lastly, xenophobia, vigilantism, hate speech, or any criminal conduct directed at irregular migrants or any member of the community will not be tolerated and anyone found inciting violence, encouraging criminality or using social media or any other platform to mobilise unlawful acts will be investigated, and where sufficient evidence exists, appropriate legal action will be taken.
“We appeal to members of the public to remain calm, continue with their normal daily activities and refrain from circulating unverified information or misinformation that could create unnecessary panic or inflame tensions. Communities are encouraged to report any criminal activity or threats to the nearest police station, anonymously through the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS App from your smartphone,” said Naidoo.
The Guardian 