South African police tighten security as anti-migrant deadline approaches

Xenophobic protest groups have demanded that undocumented foreigners leave the country by June 30.South Africa is preparing to tighten security across the country ahead of the June 30 deadline set by anti-migrant protest groups for undocumented foreigners to leave.The country’s police minister said on Monday that the force is deploying extra security nationwide. South Africa has been plagued by weeks of xenophobic attacks that have left at least two people dead and seen many African countries sending aircraft to repatriate thousands of their nationals fleeing the violence.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Why are Nigeria-South Africa tensions rising amid xenophobic attacks?list 2 of 4Malawians and Nigerians flee South Africa amid xenophobic threatslist 3 of 4Post-apartheid South Africa: 50 years after Soweto riots, what has changed?list 4 of 4South Africa’s Immigration crackdown divides Johannesburg’s inner cityend of listThe small but organised protest groups have issued an ultimatum for undocumented migrants to exit the country or face consequences, a demand with no legal basis.Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the police service “has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces”.He stressed the right to peaceful protest but warned: “Criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated”.Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said that the military will secure strategic sites, such as airports, and stand ready to assist police if needed.South Africa, a long-standing hub for migrant labour, faces unemployment above 30 percent and a history of anti-foreigner violence, fuelled by allegations that migrants drive crime and steal jobs.Political parties, such as the Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA and uMkhonto we Sizwe, increasingly frame migrants as competitors for jobs and public services.