NATJOINTS: Security and anti -illegal immigration

NATJOINTS media briefing on the security situation, anti-illegal immigration operations and national readiness

Programme Director,
Good afternoon and thank you for joining us.

Today, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) provides an update on the country's security environment, the law enforcement response to illegal immigration, ongoing multidisciplinary operations, public order policing, border security and our state of readiness for upcoming national events.

This briefing also comes just over a month after the nationwide demonstrations of 30 June 2026, which tested the country's security capability and the effectiveness of coordinated planning across government.

I am pleased to report that South Africa remains stable, law and order prevail, and our security forces continue to maintain a safe and secure environment for everyone who lives in, works in and visits our country.

Voter Registration Weekend

Over the weekend, South Africans participated in the voter registration process ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections.

Suid-Afrikaanse Polisiediens South African Police Service

NATJOINTS activated its election security plan in support of the Electoral Commission, ensuring that law enforcement agencies were deployed throughout the country to secure registration stations and respond to any security-related incidents.

We are pleased to report that the voter registration weekend was successfully concluded without any major security incidents. This demonstrates the maturity of our democracy and the professionalism of our security forces.

As we move closer to the Local Government Elections, NATJOINTS has already activated an extensive election operational plan. The plan includes visible policing, intelligence gathering, protection of election infrastructure, rapid response capability, crowd management and close coordination with the Electoral Commission and all relevant stakeholders. South Africans can therefore be assured that government is fully prepared to provide a safe and secure environment throughout the election period.

Killings of party members and councilors

As we prepare for the Local Government Elections, NATJOINTS remains deeply concerned about the murders of political party members and councillors in various parts of the country.

We are issuing a stern warning to anyone who is planning attacks, assassinations or acts of violence for political gain: you will be arrested, prosecuted and, upon conviction, face lengthy prison sentences. There is absolutely no justification for taking the life of another person because of political differences or political contestation.

The Political Killings Task Team has consistently demonstrated its expertise and capability in solving even the most complex politically motivated murder cases, regardless of how long investigations may take. Since its establishment in 2018, the Task Team has arrested more than 400 suspects, including over 180 alleged hitmen linked to the murders of councillors, political leaders and party members.

From January to date, several politically motivated murders have been recorded ahead of the Local Government Elections. These include the murders of two MK Party members in Gauteng, a Democratic Alliance ward candidate councillor in the Western Cape, two ANC councillors—one in the Eastern Cape and one in KwaZulu-Natal—and two EFF members in Gauteng. All of these cases are under active investigation by the Political Killings Task Team, and we are confident that those responsible will be identified, arrested and brought before the courts.

A total of seven suspects have been arrested so far in connection with these politically motivated murder cases. These include one suspect arrested for the murder of the Democratic Alliance ward candidate councillor in the Western Cape, two suspects arrested for the murder of the ANC councillor in the Eastern Cape, three suspects arrested for the murder of an EFF party member in Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng, and one suspect arrested for the murder of the EFF ward candidate in Wallmannsthal, Gauteng.

These arrests demonstrate that those responsible for politically motivated violence will be pursued relentlessly. We once again warn anyone intending to destabilise the electoral environment or intimidate political parties, candidates or communities through violence that law enforcement is ready. Those who commit these crimes will be found, arrested and brought before the courts. NATJOINTS remains committed to ensuring that the Local Government Elections are conducted in a safe, secure and peaceful environment where every South African can exercise their democratic right without fear or intimidation.

One month since June 30 demonstrations

Today also marks just over one month since the demonstrations that took place on 30 June 2026. The operations conducted on that day remain an excellent example of coordinated planning by NATJOINTS, where all government departments, law enforcement agencies and security services worked together to maintain stability across the country.

Our objective was simple:

To protect lives.
To protect property.
To safeguard the economy.
To protect constitutional rights while ensuring that criminality was dealt with decisively.Those objectives were achieved.

Those objectives were achieved.

The country remained functional, critical infrastructure continued operating and the overwhelming majority of South Africans went about their daily activities without disruption.

Since then, protest action linked to anti-illegal immigration campaigns has reduced significantly.

The country remains stable.
Law and order continue to prevail.

Public order situation

Although protest activity has declined, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal continue to experience isolated and localised demonstrations.

The majority of these protests have remained peaceful and within the confines of the law.

Where incidents of violence, intimidation, road blockades, damage to infrastructure or criminal conduct have occurred, law enforcement agencies have responded swiftly in accordance with Public Order Policing protocols.

During the month of July 2026, a total of 212 public order incidents were recorded nationally.

These consisted of:

128 peaceful marches.
70 gatherings.
9 unrest-related incidents requiring police intervention.
5 incidents involving looting.

As a consequence of criminal activities committed during these incidents:

205 criminal cases were opened.
354 suspects were arrested.

These figures indicate that while South Africans continue to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly, law enforcement agencies remain ready to respond whenever those rights are abused through violence or criminal conduct.

Government's enforcement response

Government continues implementing a whole-of-government approach to law enforcement.

Departments are working together to address illegal employment, labour exploitation, undocumented migration and other forms of non-compliance.

A total of 6,317 labour inspectors continue conducting workplace inspections throughout the country.

These inspections form part of National Multidisciplinary High-Impact Blitz Operations coordinated by the Department of Employment and Labour.

The inspections ensure compliance with labour legislation while protecting both workers and legitimate businesses.

Operation Shanela

Operation Shanela remains one of government's most successful crime-fighting initiatives.

Daily operations continue in all provinces through intelligence-driven deployments targeting wanted suspects, illegal firearms, drugs, organised crime, dangerous criminals and undocumented foreign nationals.

During July 2026 alone, more than 16 208 illegal foreign nationals were arrested through Operation Shanela and related multidisciplinary operations. From January 2026 to date, 59 947 illegal foreign nationals have been arrested for being in the country.

These operations will continue without interruption.

Our law enforcement agencies remain committed to enforcing the Immigration Act and all other applicable legislation fairly, professionally and without fear or favour.

Spaza Shop compliance inspections

Compliance inspections at spaza shops also continue across all provinces.

These inspections seek to ensure compliance with municipal by-laws, food safety regulations, business licensing requirements and immigration legislation where applicable.

During July:

Eastern Cape inspected 14,948 spaza shops.
Free State inspected 10,406.
Gauteng inspected 2,631.
KwaZulu-Natal inspected 2,617.
Limpopo inspected 1,315.
Mpumalanga inspected 229.
Northern Cape inspected 915.
North West inspected 1,101.

These inspections will continue as part of government's broader compliance programme.

Border security

Border security remains one of government's key priorities.

The Border Management Authority continues strengthening border operations through technology and intelligence-led interventions.

The introduction of the Vehicle Targeting System at the Lebombo Port of Entry significantly improves the detection of stolen vehicles, smuggling activities and other illicit cross-border crimes.

Joint operations between the Border Management Authority, SAPS, SANDF, SARS Customs and other departments continue to enhance border security.

During June, 93 joint border law enforcement operations were conducted.
During July, 81 additional operations were conducted.

These operations continue to produce positive results.

Deportations and repatriations

As of 03 August 2026, government has repatriated 77,184 undocumented foreign nationals to various countries.

Between 01 April and 31 July 2026, 18,816 persons were formally deported, while 3,016 undocumented foreign nationals are currently awaiting deportation at the Lindela Repatriation Centre.

We have begun demobilising the Repatriation Centre in Musina following the successful processing and repatriation of thousands of undocumented foreign nationals. Just over 500 individuals remain at the centre and will be repatriated to their respective countries in the coming days. This marks a significant milestone in our coordinated operation, which has been carried out in an orderly, humane and lawful manner through the collaboration of all relevant government departments, foreign missions in South Africa and stakeholders.

Government will continue enforcing immigration legislation while ensuring that all enforcement measures remain lawful, humane and consistent with the Constitution and applicable legislation.

Misinformation

We are increasingly concerned about misinformation circulating on various social media platforms.

Several videos currently being shared falsely suggest that certain criminal incidents are linked to anti-illegal immigration campaigns.

This is incorrect.

We urge the public not to share unverified information.

The following incidents remain under investigation and are unrelated to anti-illegal immigration operations:

Kwazulu-Natal

The fatal shooting of a Zambian truck driver on 26 June 2026 along South Coast Road.
The murder of a Ugandan national in Estcourt.

Western Cape

A Ghanaian national was shot and killed in Nyanga in what is believed to be an extortion-related incident.

Investigations continue.

On 23 July 2026, a 42-year-old Nigerian national died after collapsing while in police custody during a SAPS operation in Bellville where drugs and an unlicensed firearm were recovered.

The matter is under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

Kwazulu-Natal

Following the murder of an Ethiopian national in Elandslaagte, two suspects have since been arrested.

Gauteng

On 28 June 2026, members of the Tshwane District Anti-Drug Unit seized approximately 900 grams of CAT in Sunnyside.

A 60-year-old Nigerian national complained of ill health and later collapsed.

The incident remains under investigation.

NATJOINTS message
Our message remains clear.

South Africa is governed by the rule of law.
No one is above the law.
No person may take the law into their own hands.
Everyone has the constitutional right to protest peacefully.
Nobody has the right to intimidate communities, destroy property, loot businesses or commit acts of violence.
Law enforcement agencies will continue enforcing the law fairly and impartially.
Operation Shanela will continue.
Multidisciplinary compliance operations will continue.
Border security operations will continue.
Criminal investigations will continue.

We further urge all foreign nationals living in South Africa to ensure that they are properly documented and comply with all immigration and other applicable laws.

46th SADC Summit

Lastly, NATJOINTS is fully prepared for the upcoming 46th SADC Summit, which is currently underway in Durban.

South Africa will welcome 12 Heads of State and Government together with delegates from across the Southern African Development Community.

Comprehensive security plans have already been activated.

All law enforcement, intelligence and emergency services are working together to ensure the successful hosting of this important regional event.

Additional operational details will be communicated closer to the summit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 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.

We thank all law-abiding citizens for their cooperation and continue to call on everyone to reject misinformation, reject vigilantism and work together with law enforcement in building a safer South Africa.

I thank you.

#GovZAUpdates

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