Stricter law enforcement against illegal foreigners demanded in Mbombela
Community members demolished informal market stalls in Ngodini during protests calling for stronger action against undocumented foreign nationals.
Informal migrant-owned market stalls along the regional road in Ngodini were demolished by frustrated community members in protest against undocumented foreign nationals living in the township.
The group, led by the KaBokweni Community Movement (KCM) in collaboration with March and March, gathered on Tuesday to destroy stalls that were unoccupied on the day. Law enforcement monitored the situation.
This protest action followed another KCM-led march that took place on Friday, when a memorandum of grievances, intended for the Mpumalanga premier, Mandla Ndlovu, was handed over to the KaBokweni Police Station.
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Meanwhile, in the Mbombela CBD, March and March protesters embarked on a peaceful march against undocumented foreign nationals on Tuesday, calling on government authorities to strengthen law enforcement and address issues affecting local communities. They handed over a memorandum of grievances to the City of Mbombela executive mayor, Sibongile Makhushe-Mazibuko, who acknowledged the protesters’ concerns.
The memorandum outlined several concerns, including businesses allegedly operating without the required permits or licenses, human trafficking, crime, and what protesters described as inadequate enforcement of municipal by-laws. They argued that stronger oversight and stricter enforcement of existing legislation are needed to protect communities and ensure compliance with the law.
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The protesters appealed for regular inspections of businesses, cooperation between law enforcement agencies and immigration officials, and action against individuals and businesses operating without the required documentation.
The leader of the march, Khanyi Dlamini, highlighted that the intention is not to interfere with the work of the police or any law-enforcement agency. She said the people simply want their concerns to be heard by the government.
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“We believe that communities and law enforcement should work together in combating crime and ensuring that every business is legitimate in South Africa. We are here to support the police and other law-enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety, not to fight against them,” Dlamini said.
