Weekly anti-illegal immigration protests expected to begin tomorrow
March and March says its nationwide campaign will continue until the country’s borders are secure.
The advocacy group campaigning against undocumented foreign nationals, March and March, is preparing to take its campaign against illegal immigration to the streets every Thursday until the government enforces stricter immigration measures.
Just over a week ago, more than 20 civic groups led by the organisation joined in widespread demonstrations.
Tensions over undocumented foreign nationals in South Africa have intensified in recent weeks, with thousands of people repatriated to their home countries.
As the campaign continues, the first in a series of weekly demonstrations is set to take place tomorrow (July 9).
Campaign leader Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma says the group will continue weekly protests until its demands are met.
She explains the organisation wants government to carry out a mass deportation of illegal immigrants and strengthen border security.
“We need police to go into the crime dens in Hillbrow and Point Road and take back our areas. We need government to enforce the law and ensure those who are in the country illegally are deported.”
But she adds that they want to see people deported safely.
“We don’t want to see people sleeping outdoors; that is not a win for us.”
Ngobese-Zuma says that tomorrow’s demonstrations are not just about marching.
“It is also about communities gathering at police stations and asking officers to accompany them to alleged drug dens and businesses that they claim employ undocumented immigrants,” she adds.
She urges government to stop talking about violence surrounding the protests.
“We are protesting within the law, with police present. Those joining the march know that we need to keep it peaceful.”
SAPS did not respond to a request for comment, but during a media briefing after the June 30 march, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, the deputy national commissioner of policing, said law enforcement would continue to monitor developments in the days ahead.
“We remain vigilant, we remain prepared and we will continue to act decisively against anyone who threatens the safety, security and stability of our country,” she added.
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Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
