A heavy police presence helped keep anti-immigration protests peaceful across the North Coast yesterday, with no major violence reported at time of print.

June 30 had been declared by anti-illegal immigration movement March and March leaders as an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave South Africa. Similar marches took place in major cities and towns across the country.

One of the most notable events of the shutdown locally took place in Shaka’s Head just after midday. A small group gathered outside a house where an alleged undocumented foreign national was staying, waiting for police to arrive.

“We warned him and told him that because he does not have papers, nor does he have a permit to run a tuck shop, he must please leave our community. He thought we were joking, but we are not,” said one resident.

When police arrived, the man came out of the house carrying a packed travel bag and was taken into police custody.

Residents then led officers to another house, claiming another undocumented foreign national was staying there, but no one was found.

A woman from Mozambique was also identified by residents, but police found her immigration documents were in order. She was in possession of a visitor’s visa issued on June 17 and had consistently renewed her visa by exiting and re-entering the country when required.

After police verified her documents, residents agreed not to interfere with her. However, officers offered the visibly shaken woman a place of safety until the situation had calmed down.

Elsewhere, fewer than 200 people marched from Nkobongo and Shayamoya to Shakaskraal in the morning, calling for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the area. Another group marched through the KwaDukuza CBD before handing over a memorandum to KwaDukuza municipality.

One of the most noticeable aspects of the day was the strong police presence, supported by private security companies, community patrol groups and volunteers, which helped keep the protests peaceful.
Umhlali Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson Joshua Daniel praised the co-ordinated efforts of all role players.

“The Saps Umhlali CPF extends its sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Throughout this period, our shared objective was to ensure that only verified information was communicated, preventing unnecessary panic and supporting the official communication processes of police,” he said.

“Through the strong partnerships between the CPF, Community in Blue patrollers, neighbourhood watches, security companies and Saps, the Umhlali precinct can be proud of the co-ordinated response that resulted in minimal incidents being reported. Where incidents did occur, they were addressed swiftly and effectively.”