South African military denies plans ahead of anti-immigration protests

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has dismissed social media reports claiming that soldiers will be deployed at the end of June to counter planned civil society protests, the South African Government News Agency reported on Sunday.



The planned marches, organized by various civil society groups, focus on demands for the immediate repatriation of undocumented foreign nationals.



"The SANDF dismisses these claims as false, unfounded, and deliberately misleading," the military command said in a statement. "At no stage has the SANDF issued any directive or made preparations for deployment in relation to these activities."



The defence force emphasized its respect for the South African Constitution, noting that it fully recognizes the right of citizens to hold peaceful protests.



Military officials cautioned the public against spreading unverified information, warning that such rumors serve only to undermine public trust and create unnecessary panic.