SOUTH AFRICA — Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia announced heightened police operational readiness nationwide in response to anti-migrant violence and a June 30 ultimatum issued by protest groups in South Africa. The protest groups set a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave the country by June 30.

Cachalia stated that 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 added that the police force is deploying extra security across the nation. Xenophobic attacks in South Africa have left at least two people dead.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said the military will secure strategic sites, such as airports, and will stand ready to assist police if needed. Cachalia also stated that "Criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated."

In 2019, armed mobs attacked foreign-owned businesses around Johannesburg, which led to the deaths of at least 12 people. Anti-migrant violence also occurred in South Africa in 2015 and 2016. In 2008, 62 people were killed in anti-migrant riots in South Africa.

Mpho Makhubela, an activist, said that "Vigilante groups feed off the country's frustrations over unemployment, socioeconomic decline and the lack of effort to address inequality gaps." South Africa faces unemployment above 30 percent. Political groups such as the Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA, and uMkhonto we Sizwe frame migrants as competitors for jobs and public services. Multiple African countries sent aircraft to repatriate thousands of their nationals fleeing violence in South Africa.