Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
The South African Government has intensified its crackdown on vigilante groups and individuals illegally enforcing migration laws, warning that those conducting unauthorised identity checks, intimidating foreign nationals or obstructing law enforcement operations will face arrest and prosecution.
Speaking during a media briefing on Sunday, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Kubayi, said the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration was concerned by the growing number of civilians impersonating Department of Home Affairs officials to carry out illegal identity inspections and extort migrants.
“We have observed that there are still individuals who impersonate Home Affairs officials and target foreign nationals and some businesses for these illegal identity searches and sometimes extortion,” she said.
“We want to urge whoever is involved in this wrong practice to desist from it or face the might of the law.”
She said law enforcement agencies had already acted against perpetrators, with about seven people arrested in Polokwane for allegedly conducting illegal migration enforcement activities.
The IMC has also directed the South African Police Service to investigate similar incidents reported in other parts of the country.
Minister Kubayi also warned against groups resisting lawful government operations, referring to a recent confrontation in Bellville where foreign nationals allegedly obstructed law enforcement officials.
“We would like to issue a strong warning against those who undermine the work of our law enforcement officers or otherwise face the consequences,” she said.
She confirmed that the death of an individual during the Bellville operation was under investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), with findings to be made public once investigations are complete.
The Minister said migration management remained a matter governed by the rule of law, revealing that authorities had so far registered 354 cases involving arrests and prosecutions for migration-related offences, while a further 69 people were arrested during operations in Jeffrey’s Bay last weekend.
She also gave an update on humanitarian assistance being provided at the Musina Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre, saying government, working with non-governmental organisations, embassies and the private sector, continued to provide healthcare, food, water and child protection services to affected migrants.
Minister Kubayi stressed that while South Africa remained committed to strengthening border security and enforcing immigration laws, it would continue to uphold constitutional rights and human dignity.
“The Five-Point Plan is not a short-term intervention. It is a coordinated national programme,” she said, adding that Government would continue providing regular progress updates as implementation of the strategy gathered momentum.
The latest developments come as nearly 200 000 Malawian, Zambian and Zimbabwean nationals have reportedly left South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post since 28 May following a surge in anti-migrant protests and intimidation by vigilante groups in parts of the neighbouring country.
