Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has urged South African Police Service officers to uphold the Constitution while ensuring public safety during nationwide deployments on 30 June.
Addressing law enforcement officers in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Cachalia said police have a constitutional duty to maintain public order while protecting the rights of everyone, including those participating in lawful demonstrations and members of the public going about their daily activities.
“Our role is to uphold the Constitution, enforce the law without fear, favour or prejudice, and ensure that public order is maintained,” he said.
Cachalia emphasised that SAPS is not deployed to prevent peaceful demonstrations but to ensure they take place safely, securely and within the law.
“We are there to protect life, safeguard property, prevent criminality and respond swiftly where individuals seek to exploit legitimate grievances to commit violence, intimidation, vandalism or any other offence,” he said.
He reminded officers that all policing actions must remain lawful, proportionate and accountable.
“Professionalism, discipline and restraint are not optional. They are fundamental to policing in a constitutional democracy. Every decision, every instruction and every action must be lawful, proportionate and accountable,” Cachalia said.
The Acting Minister also urged officers to treat all members of the public with dignity and respect while taking decisive action against criminal behaviour.
“Do not be provoked into conduct that undermines the badge you wear or the oath you have taken. At the same time, do not hesitate to act decisively where criminality occurs,” he said.
He added that effective planning, communication and coordination would be critical as public gatherings can change rapidly.
“The overwhelming majority of South Africans want peace, stability and safety. They are looking to you for reassurance through your presence and professionalism,” he said.
Meanwhile, government has reaffirmed that Monday, 30 June 2026, will remain a normal working day.
Speaking during an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration media briefing in Pretoria, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamaloko Kubayi warned that any intimidation, violence or disruption would be dealt with according to the law.
Kubayi said only authorised law enforcement officials may request identity documents or proof of nationality, warning that members of the public may not take the law into their own hands.
She further cautioned that preventing access to essential public services, including schools and healthcare facilities, is unlawful.
Government said law enforcement agencies remain prepared to protect all people living in South Africa, including citizens and foreign nationals, while ensuring that constitutional rights are respected and public order is maintained throughout the planned deployments.
