South Africa June 30 Protest: Gauteng Police Warn March and March Leaders of Arrest Over Violence

• South Africa's Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni warned anti-immigration protest leaders against breaking the law on June 30
• The commissioner said helicopters, drones, and over 33,000 CCTV cameras would be deployed to monitor activities in real time during the nationwide protests
• March and March and its allies designated June 30 as the deadline for illegal immigrants to leave South Africa, sparking widespread fear among migrant communities

Leaders of South Africa’s anti-immigration movement have been warned of dire consequences if the planned protest on June 30 descends into violence and chaos.

South Africa has been rocked with anti-immigration protests in recent months, calling for all illegal foreign nationals to be deported.

Prominently led by March and March's Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, other emerging figures include Ngizwe Mchunu of eZokobho SA and Amabhinca Nation and Nkosikhona Phakel'umthakathi Ndabandaba.

The groups have accused illegal immigrants of burdening South African society, taking jobs and resources that could be used to cater to locals.

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While they claim they are targeting illegal immigrants, they have faced heavy criticisms for appearing to shut down shops owned by legal migrants and also for violence breaking out against some migrants on their marches.

Below is a YouTube video with details of the impending June 30 march.

Anti-immigrant leaders receive stern warning

On June 30, 2026, March and March and its allies are expected to host massive protests in several parts of South Africa.

The groups have dedicated the day as the deadline for all illegal immigrants to leave the country, sparking fear among immigrant communities, particularly after some recent marches descended into violence that has led to deaths.

According to the Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni, those involved in marches in the province must follow the law or will be arrested.

He said any incidents of violence or other forms of lawbreaking would be tracked and perpetrators made to face the full rigours of the law.

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"We are making arrangements to deploy helicopters and drones. Indeed, we have mobilised extensively, and we will have what is called a downlink so that we can observe activities as they happen in real time.

"The drones and helicopters will be able to identify who is doing what. So, if you get arrested, do not say you were not warned."

He added that more than 33,000 CCTV cameras would also be monitored, and any lawbreakers identified and punished.

The comments were made during a media briefing by the Gauteng Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJOINTS) on Thursday, June 25.

The Facebook post with details of the South African police warning protesters ahead of the June 30 anti-immigrant protests is below.

Police Minister warns June 30 protestors

Previously, YEN.com.gh reported that South Africa's Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, issued a stern warning to protestors ahead of the June 30 anti-immigrant march.

In a video, the government official stated that R600 million had been allocated for police response on the day, and that the military were on stand-by to be deployed if necessary.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh