South Africa is increasing police presence this week as xenophobic protest groups approach a June 30 deadline demanding that undocumented foreigners leave the country. Multiple reports say the planned security measures aim to deter potential violence as the date nears. The deadline is described as an ultimatum issued by small but organized groups, though it has no legal authority. Sources characterize the groups’ demands as not supported by law, while police preparations focus on preventing disruption and possible clashes related to the protest threats.
Bloomberg reports that additional officers are set to be deployed to reduce the risk of violence before the end-of-June cutoff. Al Jazeera similarly notes that police are tightening security in response to the groups’ demands that undocumented migrants depart by June 30. The Vancouver Sun also describes the ultimatum as coming from organized groups and emphasizes that the threat lacks legal force, while acknowledging the government’s decision to step up security ahead of the deadline.
