Last Gado Civic Movement and community members marched to Alexandra Police Station to submit a memorandum outlining their concerns on April 25.
The march follows a string of previous marches conducted by the movement in what they called a bid to tackle undocumented foreign nationals living in Alexandra. Among others, they were joined by Defend South Africa, and the Patriotic Alliance which is known for its firm stance against illegal immigration.
In the memorandum, Last Gado levels grave allegations against the Alex police, noting the displeasure of community members with how they address community matters, including how they deal with undocumented foreign nationals.
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“We are troubled by SAPS’ protection and shielding of undocumented foreign nationals while ignoring many complaints from South African citizens,” the memorandum claims. This raises questions about the enforcement of immigration laws and whether SAPS is fulfilling its legal duties in this regard.”
Last Gado claims there was a signed agreement that the Alex police would facilitate formal meetings between Home Affairs and Last Gado. However, the community believes that this agreement was not honoured by the local police.
Last Gado spokesperson Mohau Mdakane said, “Last year, we marched to Home Affairs to come work with us, and they are ready to work with us, but the police station is dragging its feet.”
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Addressing the station commander, Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane, Patriotic Alliance’s deputy secretary general of the women’s league, Victoria Africa stressed that undocumented immigrants were allowed to trade freely in Alexandra.
“Illegal immigrants must be deported, but station commander, as we speak, even here in Alex, there are illegal immigrants operating spaza shops under your watch. What does that mean? Where will we get the confidence that we have in law enforcement officials?” Africa asked.
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Ngubane accepted the memorandum and assured the community members that after engaging with all stakeholders, he would give them feedback. “I will receive this memorandum on behalf of the SAPS, and on the 5th [May] I will invite the leaders so that we can sit down with other role players such as Home Affairs, because I cannot work alone, I need them and I also need you, and we will give you feedback.”
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