NATJOINTS says law and order continue to prevail in SA, despite ongoing anti-illegal immigration operations, isolated protests and concerns over politically motivated killings ahead of the Local Government Elections.
NATJOINTS said the recent voter registration weekend was concluded without major security incidents after the election security plan was activated in support of the Electoral Commission. “As we move closer to the Local Government Elections, NATJOINTS has already activated an extensive election operational plan,” NATJOINTS said.
The plan includes visible policing, intelligence gathering, protection of election infrastructure, rapid response capability, crowd management and coordination with the Electoral Commission.
NATJOINTS said concern remains over the killings of political party members and councillors in several provinces. Since January, politically motivated murders have included two MK Party members in Gauteng, a Democratic Alliance ward candidate in the Western Cape, two African National Congress councillors in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, and two Economic Freedom Fighters members in Gauteng.
The Political Killings Task Team has arrested seven suspects linked to recent cases. Since 2018, the task team has arrested more than 400 suspects, including more than 180 alleged hitmen. “There is absolutely no justification for taking the life of another person because of political differences or political contestation,” NATJOINTS said.
The structure also said protest action linked to anti-illegal immigration campaigns has declined since the June 30 demonstrations. In July, 212 public order incidents were recorded nationally, including 128 peaceful marches, 70 gatherings, nine unrest-related incidents and five looting incidents. Police opened 205 criminal cases and arrested 354 suspects.
Operation Shanela and other multidisciplinary operations led to the arrest of more than 16 208 undocumented foreign nationals in July. From January to date, 59 947 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested. “As of August 03, 2026, the government has repatriated 77 184 undocumented foreign nationals to various countries,” NATJOINTS said.
Between April 1 and July 31, 18 816 people were formally deported, while 3 016 undocumented foreign nationals remain at Lindela Repatriation Centre awaiting deportation.
NATJOINTS said operations at the Musina Repatriation Centre are being demobilised after the processing and repatriation of thousands of undocumented foreign nationals. Just over 500 people remain at the centre and are expected to be repatriated in the coming days.
Spaza shop compliance inspections also continue. In July, inspections included 14 948 shops in the Eastern Cape, 10 406 in the Free State, 2 631 in Gauteng, 2 617 in KwaZulu-Natal, 1 315 in Limpopo, 1 101 in North West, 915 in the Northern Cape and 229 in Mpumalanga.
Border security operations are also continuing. During June, 93 joint border law enforcement operations were conducted, followed by 81 in July. NATJOINTS said the Vehicle Targeting System at Lebombo Port of Entry has improved detection of stolen vehicles, smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
NATJOINTS also warned against misinformation linking unrelated criminal incidents to anti-illegal immigration operations. “We urge the public not to share unverified information,” NATJOINTS said.
NATJOINTS said SA is fully prepared for the 46th SADC Summit, currently underway in Durban, where 12 Heads of State and Government and regional delegates are expected.
“South Africans should remain assured that the country’s security forces remain fully prepared, fully coordinated and fully committed to maintaining peace, stability and the rule of law,” NATJOINTS said.
–ChannelAfrica–
