Government Warns Against Violence as Illegal Immigration Protests Spread Across South Africa
The government has warned South Africans not to take the law into their own hands as protests over illegal immigration gain national attention.
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster met with organisations involved in protests against illegal immigration and urged organisers to ensure that marches remain peaceful, lawful, and properly coordinated with authorities.
Ministers said South Africans have a constitutional right to protest, but that right comes with responsibility. They said the planned 30 June march falls within the right to protest, but warned that no protest should result in violence, intimidation, or attacks on foreign nationals.
The government also condemned incidents where foreign nationals were allegedly humiliated or attacked during protests. Ministers specifically raised concern over an incident where a person was allegedly spray-painted, saying human dignity must be protected even when communities are angry.
The JCPS cluster acknowledged that illegal immigration has created serious challenges for communities and the state. However, ministers said the issue must be handled through lawful enforcement by Home Affairs, Labour inspectors, the Border Management Authority, and police.
The government said undocumented foreign nationals must be removed through proper legal channels, while those who commit crimes must face the law regardless of nationality.
Ministers also warned protest organisers to notify authorities before marches so police can plan properly, manage routes, and ensure public safety.
The briefing comes as the government says protests over illegal immigration have moved from localised community action to a national concern.
