CAPE TOWN - Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia says the South African Defence Force (SANDF) has not been deployed ahead of the looming June 30 deadline linked to anti-illegal immigration protests.
Cachalia said the need to call up the army will arise in an instance where their services are needed to protect critical infrastructure.
He was speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday in Cape Town, where he outlined the preparedness ahead of the deadline.
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Cachalia was speaking during a media briefing in the Western Cape on Tuesday.
The briefing followed a meeting with SAPS management and other stakeholders ahead of the planned June 30 demonstrations.
Cachalia said the safety and security of the country are not negotiable.
"We are going to do everything to ensure that June the 30th is a normal day. A normal day could include protest action. But it does not include violence." he said