Ahead of planned protests on 30 June, South Africa’s Police Minister, Bheki Cele’s predecessor? (as referenced in the reports), Cachalia says the South African Police Service (SAPS) is on high alert and is ready to respond to any threat. In the coverage, Cachalia cautions against lawlessness and addresses claims circulating around the planned demonstration.
Protest leaders from March and March deny that they are planning a national shutdown. One report also says Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma criticises Cachalia, alleging the minister is “threatening” citizens ahead of the protest. The leaders dispute the police minister’s warnings and frame their planned demonstrations as a response to what they describe as government neglect of an immigration crisis.
The reports portray rising public tension between state officials and protest organisers as both sides trade accusations: the government positions itself as prepared for unrest, while March and March leaders say they are being targeted and that the focus should be on the issues driving the protest.
