Parklands protest unfolds peacefully amid SA migration tensions

Police in Cape Town say a protest march against undocumented migration in the Parklands area on Saturday remained lawful and under control

Police in Cape Town confirmed that a protest march against undocumented migration took place in Parklands on Saturday.

About 100 demonstrators marched along Main Road, demanding the removal of foreign nationals without legal documentation. Public Order Police and metro police were present to ensure the event remained lawful and controlled.

Police said the march proceeded peacefully, with no injuries reported.

"This office confirms that a group of protesters marched in Parklands against illegal immigration. The protest was lawful. Protesters were verbally warned to put away weapons, and they complied. The march was peaceful, and there were no injuries reported," Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said.

The protest comes as South Africa braces for planned demonstrations linked to rising tensions over undocumented migration and a 30 June deadline some groups have referenced for  illegal foreign nationals to leave the country.

IOL also previously reported that Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has criticised organisers of planned nationwide protests, saying claims that the action serves the public interest are false and that the protests are instead causing economic, financial, human, and diplomatic harm.

He warned that those involved in organising disruptive behaviour accompanied by violence, including incidents where fatalities have been reported, could face both criminal prosecution and civil liability for damages.

Parklands Protest against illegal immigration was peaceful, says Police

“So those who are involved in organising this disruptive behaviour accompanied by violence, we have heard that there have been fatalities, will have to pay the costs of both their criminal actions, and they will also be held civilly liable,” he added.

“I do not know if many of them are aware that they can be held civilly liable for any injury or damage to property that is the result of their efforts at incitement. So, what we’re experiencing is not costless. And that must become part of the national conversation"