KwaZulu-Natal police have stated they are fully prepared to manage planned protests by truck drivers and anti-foreigner marches over the upcoming weekend.

Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelele Makoba confirmed that law enforcement agencies have intensified intelligence monitoring and operational planning to prevent potential unrest, particularly regarding threats to block major routes such as the N2 and N3.

Police are aware of a planned protest by the All Truck Drivers Forum (ATDF), which has not submitted formal notice but aims to address the employment of undocumented foreign nationals in the trucking industry.Authorities also responded recently to looting incidents in Estcourt, where six shops owned by foreigners were targeted.

Police emphasised that while citizens have a constitutional right to protest, any criminal activity, including road blockages or infrastructure damage, will be addressed decisively.Makoba urged communities not to take the law into their own hands, stressing that only police can demand identification or conduct searches.Since January, 4,722 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested in joint operations, and 74 company managers fined for violating labour laws.

Police assured residents that deployments will continue across the province to maintain safety, peace, and order while ensuring protests remain lawful and peaceful.