Cape Town protest organisers say they are facing escalating threats as demonstrations over illegal foreign-owned informal businesses continue.
The warning follows another protest in Bellville on Wednesday.
The demonstration was one of several held across Cape Town in recent weeks by civic organisations demanding action against what they describe as illegal foreign traders in public trading spaces.
Protests have taken place in Bellville, the Cape Town CBD and other parts of the metro.
Organisers have vowed to continue until authorities respond to their demands.
LACO raises safety concerns
Labour and Civic Organisation Western Cape leader Sipho Mahilili said members of the organisation had received threats.
“We are receiving threats,” Mahilili said.
He said LACO was becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of its members.
The threats come after the recent killing of a March and March leader in Gauteng.
That incident has raised fears among activists involved in anti-illegal immigration campaigns across the country.
Online message sparks concern
After Wednesday’s Bellville protest, a message circulated on social media in Mahilili’s name.
In the post, he alleged that people involved in protection fee networks believed activists were afraid of them.
The message claimed South Africans were tired of “lawlessness” and warned that the group would “fight fire with volcano”.
Mahilili also claimed the organisation knew who alleged protection fee collectors were in areas from Khayelitsha to Gugulethu.
The post called on supporters to send names, photographs and addresses of people they believed were involved.
City urges SAPS reports
The City of Cape Town said representatives from organisations raising concerns about informal trading met officials from several City departments on 13 July.
The meeting covered trading permit allocations, enforcement activity and broader informal trading management.
The City said only uniformed law enforcement officers have the legal authority to enforce the law.
It also said foreign nationals with trading permits may trade only after Home Affairs verifies their legal status and right to work in South Africa.
The City’s Public Trading Department is assessing claims that permits are being disproportionately allocated to foreign nationals.
However, it said no findings have been made that justify changing the current permit process.
The City said allegations involving intimidation, extortion, threats or protection fee networks should be reported to SAPS for investigation.