The North West Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (PROVJOINTS), led by the Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has reassured the people of the North West that it will be business as usual on 30 June, the deadline set for illegal migrants to leave the country.
Naidoo made the remarks on Wednesday during a media briefing in Mahikeng on the province’s security preparedness. The briefing followed the PROVJOINTS operational planning process and a meeting attended by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, Community Safety MEC Wessels Morweng, and several other senior government officials.
Speaking on YOU FM Newshour, Naidoo said the operational plan had already been finalised and had entered the implementation phase.
“We have looked at the recent developments both in the province, in our neighbouring provinces and throughout the country, and we have noted the emerging trends, as well as the threats and the general sense of insecurity and instability that our citizens are experiencing.
“Based on the analysis conducted by the intelligence community, we have finalised a plan and are now in the execution phase, implementing security measures for the duration of this period, which remains under threat,” said Naidoo.
According to Naidoo, the plan will involve all relevant stakeholders, including government departments.
“This is a whole-of-government approach, with all government departments on board to ensure, firstly, that they respond to the concerns of residents.
“The biggest complaint we are receiving from citizens relates to non-compliance with the country’s laws and legislation, as well as the general failure to adhere to legal requirements, including those governing migration,” added the Acting Provincial Commissioner.
NATJOINTS has indicated that several areas of interest, or hotspots, have been identified through intelligence operations.
“There have been sporadic incidents in certain areas, and these have been prioritised as focus areas.
“In addition, based on the demographics of affected communities, the potential for confrontation among individuals, and the presence of critical infrastructure that could be disrupted by those agitating around these issues, we have deployed resources accordingly,” explained Naidoo.
He further called on residents to allow law enforcement agencies to carry out their duties by enforcing the laws of the country.
“Should the need arise, we will put measures in place to ensure that any non-South African citizens wishing to leave the country or be repatriated are assisted through a seamless process in a manner that ensures the safety and security of everyone, including the citizens of this country,” concluded Naidoo.
