JOHANNESBURG - The looming 30 June deadline linked to anti-illegal immigration protests could cost South Africa up to R600 million.
This is according to Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, who was speaking at a briefing on Monday.
"I can tell you that it's going to cost the South African police service over R600 million," Cachalia said.
As the 30 June 'deadline' by anti-illegal immigration protesters approaches, police warned that violence will not be tolerated.
Cachalia said law enforcement would be out in full force and would not tolerate criminality or incitement to violence.
Fears of unrest are mounting nationwide as tensions rise ahead of the deadline.
In response, the police and defence ministers met on Monday to assess security risks and coordinate the government’s response to possible instability.
"Everyone has the right to protest peacefully and within the confines of the law," Cachalia said.
"However, criminality, intimidation, incitement to violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated.
"The rule of law will indeed prevail. The South African Police Service remains the lead law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining public order."