Scores of residents affiliated with anti-illegal immigration movements shut down multiple foreign-owned spaza shops in Alexandra on Tuesday.

This was part of an ongoing operation aimed at addressing the presence of undocumented foreign nationals in the community.

Sihlalo Hlophe, chairperson of both the Last Gado and Ziyakhala movements, said the operation was a response to growing frustration among residents over the issue of undocumented immigrants.

Read more: Ward 75 councillor hosts meeting to highlight service delivery challenges

According to Hlophe, communities across the country are taking similar stands to enforce immigration laws, and Alexandra residents are no exception.

“They must comply with the law. Those who do not comply must go home.”

The groups had initially planned to conduct the operation in conjunction with the local police. In a video that circulated in community groups, Brigadier Vusimuzi Ngubane confirmed that the joint operation would begin on Monday.

However, when the day arrived, the organisations were dismayed to learn that Ngubane was on leave, and that other officials would not participate in what police called an unplanned operation.

Visible Policing Commander Colonel Jerry Phaswana said that no such operation could proceed without a formal operational plan.

He proposed discussing the matter at a meeting on May 13, and urged residents to postpone the operation to avoid serious repercussions, including arrests or the looting and breaking into shops. Despite the police appeal, the organisations unilaterally went ahead with the operation.

Also read: Ward 75 is hotbed of GBVF in Alex

Community member Bongani Malema was among those who insisted that they would continue, even if it meant facing arrest.

On Monday, the groups shut down several foreign-owned spaza shops and brought about 10 alleged undocumented immigrants to the Alexandra Police Station, despite lacking any legal authority to enforce immigration laws. By Tuesday, they focused primarily on closing foreign-owned spaza shops.

While organisers framed the campaign as a legitimate effort to build a law‑abiding Alexandra, where local residents have priority in economic activity, others said that it as a xenophobic operation rearing its ugly head amid growing concerns of xenophobia in South Africa.

Hlophe, however, defended the operation.

“If we were xenophobic, we would have attacked those immigrants who do not have papers,” he said, despite growing concerns that the groups are economically targeting immigrants based on their nationality.

In certain instances, the rhetoric that organisers insisted is non‑xenophobic appeared to blur into intimidation, with some residents using profane language against some foreign nationals. Still, Hlophe emphasised that all they are calling for is compliance.

“We are simply saying close down and comply first, before you can proceed with your business. We are not being xenophobic here.”

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!