POLOKWANE – Residents took matters into their own hands yesterday (Wednesday), marching through the CBD to demand the removal of undocumented foreign nationals operating salons and trading on the streets.

The march, which was accompanied by police, saw residents visiting salons and street trading spots to verify the documentation of foreign nationals. Those without permits or passports were reportedly evicted.

Watch the video here

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Polokwane residents took to the streets yesterday in a march against undocumented foreign nationals operating salons and trading in the CBD. Accompanied by police, they visited businesses to verify documentation. Video by Emmanuel ‘Biza’ Maboya.

♬ original sound – plkreview – plkreview

Landlords try to intervene

Some landlords reportedly locked foreign nationals inside salons in an attempt to protect them from the marchers, but were forced to open up.

What the leaders said

March leaders Joy Lebepe and Rouder Sepale said they had submitted a memorandum to Home Affairs and the police station on June 12, requesting assistance in dealing with illegal immigrants.

They have also reiterated their promise to march every Thursday until the town is clean and all salons are owned by South Africans.