Diepsloot residents march against undocumented immigration, demanding government action
Frustrated by what they describe as years of inaction, a group of Diepsloot residents marched to demand government intervention on undocumented immigration and community safety.
More than 100 residents marched through Diepsloot on June 30, calling on government to clamp down on undocumented immigration, which they claim has contributed to rising crime and other challenges in the community.
The peaceful demonstration drew a visible police presence, with officers deployed along the routes approved for the march, like Winnie Mandela Drive and into Ingonyama Street, to monitor the march and ensure the safety of both protesters and members of the public. No incidents of violence have been reported so far.
Read more: Hundreds of Malawians begin journey home as repatriation buses arrive in Woodmead
Speaking during the march, community leader Moruti Mokwena said residents had grown frustrated after years of raising concerns that they believe have gone unanswered.
“We are tired of the crime in Diepsloot. When undocumented immigrants commit crimes, they cannot be traced. Government has to do something because we have been fighting this battle for far too long.”
He said the community wanted authorities to take decisive action to address undocumented immigration, arguing that residents have been left feeling unsafe.
One of the marchers, Sibongile Mtshali, shared the sentiments of many demonstrators, saying they believed government had allowed the situation to deteriorate.
Also read: 22-year-old Malawian man heads home after losing job in South Africa
“Enough is enough. We have tolerated undocumented immigrants for far too long. When we tell them to go home, some are even brave enough to say they are not going anywhere.”
Mtshali questioned why people could not return to their countries of origin and enter South Africa through the proper legal channels.
“What is so difficult about people simply leaving the country and coming back here legally?”
She also blamed government for failing to intervene sooner, saying authorities had allowed the situation to spiral out of control.
According to Mtshali, today’s demonstration is not expected to be the last, with residents planning to continue raising their concerns until they receive what they consider a meaningful response from government.
Also read: Residents rally to support stranded Malawians outside consulate in Woodmead
“We will continue making sure that our issues are being raised.”
Police remained on the scene throughout the demonstration as the march continued peacefully.
The community leaders asked the residents not to violate any laws and not to take matters into their own hands.
The comments made by the resident are the personal views of the interviewee and do not reflect the views of the Fourways Review.
Follow us on our WhatsApp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
