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The Acting Minister of Police, Mr Firoz Cachalia, convened a fruitful meeting today, with representatives of the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA), a national umbrella body representing several of South Africa's major Muslim theological councils. Mr Imraan Subrathie, a Member of Parliament in the National Assembly, attended and participated in the meeting discussions. 

The meeting followed a letter from the UUCSA, in which the organisation highlighted specific incidents where SAPS immigration enforcement operations had caused considerable anxiety among congregants, creating the perception that places of worship were becoming focal points for immigration-related enforcement activities.

Following inputs from all stakeholders, Minister Cachalia announced that a dedicated Task Team would be established, comprising representatives from UUCSA, the SAPS operational environment, and the Ministry of Police.

The Task Team will be mandated to develop practical protocols to guide the execution of law enforcement operations in a manner that ensures the law is enforced effectively while minimising disruption during religious ceremonies and safeguarding the dignity and sanctity of places of worship; the Task Team would provide reports to the Minister and the leadership of the UUCSA.

Minister Cachalia further indicated that he would engage the Acting National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, who would in turn engage Provincial Commissioners to ensure that the outcomes of this engagement inform operational leadership and contribute to greater consistency in policing practices across the country.

Issued by the Ministry of Police