The government of South Africa has urged citizens to uphold the rule of law amid growing anti immigration protests and reports of attacks on foreign nationals…reports Africa Newsdesk
The government of South Africa has called on citizens to respect the Constitution and uphold the rule of law amid growing anti immigration protests and reports of attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of the country.
The appeal was made by acting government spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa in a statement issued on Wednesday following demonstrations organised by political groups and vigilante movements demanding that foreign nationals provide legal documentation.
Anti immigration group March and March staged protests in Pretoria on Tuesday and in Johannesburg on Wednesday. Recent reports from local and international media have also highlighted incidents of harassment and violence against migrants in several areas, including KwaZulu-Natal.
Mnukwa said the government remained committed to protecting national sovereignty, security and the rule of law while addressing concerns linked to illegal immigration.
She urged members of the public to report suspected unlawful activities or immigration related concerns to the South African Police Service, immigration authorities or other law enforcement agencies instead of taking action themselves.
“Such concerns should be reported to the South African Police Service, immigration authorities, or other relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure they are addressed lawfully and effectively,” she said.
Mnukwa warned against vigilantism and stressed that citizens should not take the law into their own hands.
She added that the government was intensifying efforts to combat illegal immigration through stronger border controls aimed at preventing unlawful entry, illicit trade and fraudulent activities that undermine state revenue collection and legal systems.
According to the spokesperson, authorities have also introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation system designed to improve the management of cross border movement in a secure and transparent manner.
The government is also working to upgrade infrastructure at several ports of entry as part of broader measures to strengthen immigration control and border security.
