By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider 

Warnings have been issued by Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) to brace for extreme traffic disruption ahead of the June 30 protests against illegal-immigration. 

The protest which is targeted towards undocumented foreign nationals, is expected to cause major traffic congestion in Pretoria during the demonstrations held tomorrow. 

During this protest anti-immigration organisations are using this protest to call undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country as more than 20 anti-immigration groups and members of civil society are showing their support for the demonstrations. 

The organisers have emphasised that the demonstrations will be peaceful and won’t progress to violent measures. Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of March and March, has expressed that even though they are encouraging peaceful protesting that the organisation will not be taking responsibility if violence did indeed break out as she argued that the responsibility to do so lies with the government. 

The police have increased their security ahead of the planned protests and have warned that lawlessness will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

TMPD spokesperson Colonel Isaac Mahamba has stated that March and March protestors will be situated at Church Square in Central Pretoria at 10:00AM and will proceed to Sunnyside Police Station. 

“Thereafter, buses are expected to proceed to the Old Putco Depot where they will be parked in Marabastad” said Mahamba.

Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes such as Nina Street, Visagie Street, Justice Mohammed Street, and Eskia Mphahlele Drive. He also stated that law enforcement officers will be on the ground in order to monitor the demonstrations.