Pretoria: Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has called on law enforcement officers to uphold the law without fear, favour, or prejudice, as preparations intensify for nationwide deployments on 30 June. Addressing officers in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, Cachalia emphasized their significant constitutional responsibility to maintain public order while protecting the rights of all individuals.

According to South African Government News Agency, Cachalia stressed that the rights of demonstrators and other members of the public are not in conflict but are complementary constitutional obligations that must be balanced. He highlighted the South African Police Service (SAPS) is not deployed to stop lawful demonstrations but to ensure they take place safely, securely, and orderly.

Cachalia reminded officers that their authority is derived from the law and must always be exercised within its limits. He urged officers to treat all members of the public with dignity and respect while remaining firm where the law is broken. He warned that public gatherings can evolve rapidly, requiring heightened alertness, coordination, and discipline on the ground.

Meanwhile, the government reiterated that 30 June 2026 will be treated as a normal working day, warning that any acts of intimidation, violence, or disruption will be met with the full force of the law. The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration emphasized the State's responsibility to protect all people in the country from intimidation or abuse, maintaining that unauthorized individuals are not permitted to demand documentation or proof of nationality from the public.