South African police have stepped up security as the immigration ban approaches Immigration Issues

Anti-xenophobia groups have called for undocumented foreigners to leave the country by June 30.

South Africa plans to tighten security across the country after a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigration groups for undocumented immigrants to leave.

The country’s police minister said on Monday that the army is deploying extra security across the country. South Africa has faced terrorist attacks that have left at least two people dead for several weeks and many African countries are sending planes to bring back thousands of their citizens who are fleeing the violence.

A small but active group of protesters has issued a decree for immigrants to leave the country or face the consequences, which they want without a valid reason.

The Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, said that the police have “raised their readiness to work in all districts, with comprehensive plans in place to protect communities, critical infrastructure and key government facilities”.

He stressed the right to peaceful protests but warned: “Crime, threats, violence, destruction of property and attempts to destroy public safety will not be tolerated”.

Defense Minister Angie Motshekga said the military will find good locations, such as airports, and be ready to assist the police if needed.

South Africa, a longtime migrant center, faces unemployment rates of more than 30 percent and a history of anti-immigrant violence, fueled by allegations that migrants drive crime and steal jobs.

Political parties, such as the Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA and uMkhonto we Sizwe, are increasingly targeting migrants for jobs and public services.

Mpho Makhubela, a member of the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa (CoRMSA) and a KAAX activist, said the security forces are increasing because of the high level of frustration.

“The security forces reduce the frustration of the country due to lack of jobs, low economy and lack of efforts to deal with the gaps of inequality,” he said. He told Al Jazeera.

62 people were killed anti-immigrant riots in 2008and more violence 2015 and 2016. In 2019armed groups attacked foreign businesses around Johannesburg, killing at least 12 people.

The latest clashes come ahead of local government elections scheduled for November 4. During voter registration at the weekend, gunmen shot dead four people affiliated with political parties.

Two of them were affiliated with the opposition party Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), led by Jacob Zuma, the President of South Africa between 2009 and 2018.

The third person who was shot was a member of the Democratic Alliance ward in the Western Cape, while an African National Congress ward councilor was killed in the Eastern Cape.