By Teboho Moloi
BLOEMFONTEIN – As the June 30 deadline set by advocacy groups calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa draws closer, the Free State police have assured residents that law enforcement agencies are fully prepared to maintain peace and order across the province.
The assurance comes amid growing public attention surrounding planned “Abahambe” marches and demonstrations expected to take place in various parts of the country.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Lesia said residents should remain calm, emphasizing that extensive security measures have already been put in place to ensure that June 30 remains a normal day for communities throughout the province.
Speaking during a Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS) meeting attended by key stakeholders on Sunday, June 21, Lesia outlined a coordinated security strategy involving the South African Police Service (SAPS), private security companies, law enforcement agencies and various government departments.
“We are prepared to secure, facilitate and safeguard all planned marches while ensuring the safety and security of residents and visitors,” said Lesia.
He warned that while SAPS respects the constitutional right to peaceful protest, any acts of criminality, intimidation, violence, damage to infrastructure or obstruction of public movement will be dealt with decisively.
“As SAPS, together with our law enforcement agencies and security partners, we remain committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens while ensuring that peace, stability and public safety prevail throughout the province,” he said.
Lesia revealed that police have intensified operational readiness through ongoing crime-fighting initiatives, including weekly Operation Shanela deployments, mid-month operations and Operation Prosper.
“These operations have yielded significant results and have contributed to addressing criminal activities, including matters involving individuals who may be in the country illegally,” he said.
The commissioner further disclosed that the Hawks have been tasked with monitoring various platforms and gathering intelligence on individuals or groups that may be encouraging activities outside the scope of peaceful and lawful demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Crime Intelligence has identified potential hotspots across the province, with security deployments already activated in line with threat assessments conducted by law enforcement agencies.
“Resources have been strategically positioned to ensure a rapid and effective response to any situation that may arise,” Lesia added.
Authorities have urged residents to continue with their daily activities and to report any incidents of intimidation, violence or unlawful conduct to the police.
The heightened security measures come as law enforcement agencies across the country brace for possible demonstrations linked to the June 30 campaign, with police determined to ensure that all protests remain peaceful and within the confines of the law.
