Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, has announced the establishment of a dedicated task team to develop protocols for police operations at places of worship following concerns raised by Muslim religious leaders over immigration enforcement activities.
The announcement came after Cachalia met with representatives of the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA), a national umbrella body representing several of the country’s major Muslim theological councils, on Thursday. Member of Parliament Imraan Subrathie also attended the meeting.
The engagement followed a letter from the UUCSA highlighting incidents where South African Police Service (SAPS) immigration enforcement operations had caused anxiety among congregants, creating the perception that places of worship were increasingly becoming targets for immigration-related operations.
Following discussions, Cachalia said the newly established task team would comprise representatives from the UUCSA, the SAPS operational environment and the Ministry of Police.
The team has been tasked with developing practical protocols to guide the execution of law enforcement operations in a manner that allows police to enforce the law effectively while minimising disruption during religious services and safeguarding the dignity and sanctity of places of worship.
The task team will also provide regular reports to the Minister and the leadership of the UUCSA on its progress.
Cachalia further indicated that he would engage the Acting National Commissioner of SAPS, who would in turn work with provincial commissioners to ensure that the outcomes of the engagement inform operational leadership and promote greater consistency in policing practices across the country.
Ministry of Police spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi said the initiative seeks to balance effective policing with the protection of religious freedoms.
“Our objective is to ensure that law enforcement operations are carried out effectively while minimising disruption during religious ceremonies and safeguarding the dignity and sanctity of places of worship. The task team will help develop practical protocols that support both effective policing and the constitutional rights of all South Africans,” said Mogotsi.
