Government warns public against illegal searches for undocumented immigrants

The South African government has made it clear that only the state has the authority to manage immigration, border control, deportations, and repatriations.

It has warned residents against conducting illegal searches of homes and businesses suspected of housing undocumented immigrants.

Such actions are unlawful, and police will act against anyone involved in intimidation, threats, or vigilante removals of people from communities.

Read more: Shops looted, shots fired, one life lost following peaceful protest in Alexandra

The inter-ministerial committee (IMC) provided an update on the five-point plan to achieve orderly migration, while respecting human rights and addressing public concerns.

Under law enforcement, 350 people have been arrested in 205 cases linked to unlawful conduct, intimidation, and related offences as of July 8. This includes the arrest in Johannesburg of a UK murder fugitive who was extradited.

A total of 53 449 foreign nationals has been processed for deportation or repatriation to date, mostly Malawians, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.

Also read: Government calls for peaceful protests on June 30 over illegal immigration concerns

More than 20 000 have gone through the new temporary repatriation processing centre in Musina since it opened on July 1.

Dedicated immigration courts in KwaZulu-Natal have finalised 2 640 deportation cases since June.

The IMC is also advancing plans for border infrastructure, a new unified immigration law framework, and stricter SIM card registration rules for mobile networks.

The public has been urged to report criminal activity, threats, or intimidation to police, and to allow authorities to handle migration matters lawfully.

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