South Africa to step up security ahead of anti-migrant deadline

South African police will boost deployments nationwide ahead of a June 30 deadline set by fringe anti-illegal immigration groups for undocumented foreigners to leave, law enforcement authorities said Monday.

The country, one of Africa's largest and most industrialised economies, has been on edge following weeks of sometimes violent xenophobic unrest that has left at least two people dead.

Small but organised groups have issued an ultimatum for undocumented migrants to exit or face consequences, a demand with no legal force.

"The South African Police Service has elevated its operational readiness across all provinces, with comprehensive deployment plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key public spaces," acting police minister Firoz Cachalia said.

He stressed the right to peaceful protest but warned: "Criminality, intimidation, violence, the destruction of property and any attempt to undermine public safety will not be tolerated."

South Africa has a history of periodic anti-foreigner violence. By RODGER BOSCH (AFP)

The military would secure strategic sites such as airports and stand ready to assist police if needed, said Defence Minister Angie Motshekga.

"Indeed if, and I hope it is not going to reach that point, called upon by the police to support, we will, but basically ours is around the key points," she said.

South Africa, a longstanding magnet for migrant labour, faces joblessness above 30 percent and a history of periodic anti-foreigner violence, fuelled by claims migrants drive crime and steal jobs.

Past flare-ups have been deadly: 62 people were killed in 2008 riots, with further outbreaks in 2015 and 2016.

Violence in 2019 saw armed mobs descend on foreign-owned businesses around Johannesburg, leaving at least 12 people dead -- 10 of them South African citizens.

The latest tensions come ahead of local government elections scheduled for November 4.

During the voter registration at the weekend, gunmen shot dead four people linked to political parties in separate incidents.

Two of those killed were affiliated with the opposition Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, which is headed by ex-president Jacob Zuma, South Africa's leader between 2009 and 2018. The third, a Democratic Alliance ward candidate, was shot in the Western Cape, while an African National Congress ward councillor was killed in the Eastern Cape.