South Africa warns against vigilantism following immigration protests

The South African government has issued a stern warning against civilian vigilantism and unauthorized immigration enforcement following violent clashes between anti-illegal immigration protesters and refugees in Durban. The confrontation occurred near the Department of Home Affairs offices on Che Guevara Road.

Mmamoloko Kubayi, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, stated on behalf of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Migration that immigration enforcement is the exclusive responsibility of the state. She emphasized that while the government acknowledges public frustration regarding economic pressures and service strain, constitutional rights to protest do not permit private citizens to assume policing powers or conduct illegal identity checks.

The government is currently implementing a Five-Point Plan on Migration Management, introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which focuses on stronger enforcement, improved border security, and migration system reforms. Authorities, including the South African Police Service, are investigating the recent violence and have warned that unauthorized inspections risk sparking xenophobic violence and disrupting formal investigations.