Minister Marais urges Western Cape residents not to resort to violence to address legitimate frustrations

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, has called on residents of the Western Cape to refrain from any acts of violence, intimidation, or lawlessness ahead of planned anti-immigration protests expected to take place on 30 June 2026.

Minister Marais has been briefed on the matter at the Western Cape Provincial Operational Command Centre (POCC) on the South African Police Service's operational readiness to respond to any incidents.

"The Western Cape Government acknowledges the frustrations regarding issues affecting residents and their communities. We also respect the constitutional right of residents to protest peacefully. However, any protest action must be peaceful, lawful and within the confines of the Constitution. The rule of law must be respected at all times," stressed Minister Marais.

Minister Marais confirmed that the Provincial Joint Operational Centre (ProvJOC) has been activated and that all relevant stakeholders are working closely to ensure public safety and stability.

"ProvJOC brings together all relevant role players to coordinate preparations and responses. Law enforcement deployments have been increased in anticipation of possible disruptions, while intelligence-gathering efforts are underway to provide early warning of any threats to public order and safety," Minister Marais said.

The Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre has also activated contingency measures to support any required emergency response.

Minister Marais urged all law-abiding citizens to reject calls for violence and to refrain from participating in any activities that could destabilise communities or undermine the rule of law.

Minister Marais said, "There can be no justification for violence, intimidation, damage to property, looting or attacks on individuals. Such actions place lives at risk and divert valuable law enforcement resources away from the fight against crime."

Minister Marais has also strongly warned against the spread of misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms.

"Residents are urged to act responsibly online and to refrain from sharing unverified information, inflammatory content or messages intended to incite violence or create fear. The dissemination of misinformation or disinformation aimed at provoking unrest may constitute a criminal offence and could result in criminal charges being brought against those responsible", Minister Marais continued

Minister Marais further emphasised that concerns relating to immigration must be addressed through lawful and established channels.

"The responsibility for enforcing South Africa's immigration laws rests with the relevant authorities tasked with that mandate. Where concerns exist regarding the execution of government mandates, the appropriate legal and democratic avenues must be followed to hold departments accountable", Minister Marais concluded.