In a decisive address to Parliament this week, Acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia outlined a dual-path strategy for South Africa: reinforcing lawful immigration enforcement while unequivocally rejecting vigilante tactics against foreign nationals.
Speaking during the South African Police Service (SAPS) Budget Vote presentation, Cachalia acknowledged widespread public concern over undocumented migration, affirming that border integrity and statutory compliance remain government priorities. However, he drew a firm line against extrajudicial actions, stating that community safety cannot be achieved through lawlessness.
“Sovereignty and legal order are foundational to our democracy—they cannot be compromised,” Cachalia asserted. “Yet I must be unequivocal: violence directed at non-nationals is unacceptable, counterproductive, and will not be tolerated.”
Regional Stability and Economic Implications
The Minister highlighted how xenophobic unrest carries tangible consequences beyond immediate human harm. Such incidents, he noted, erode investor confidence, strain diplomatic relations with neighboring states, and weaken collaborative efforts to combat transnational criminal enterprises—including drug trafficking and human smuggling networks operating across Southern Africa.
“Instability targeting foreign residents doesn’t protect our citizens—it isolates us,” Cachalia explained. “It discourages the very investment needed to generate employment and strengthen local economies. It also jeopardizes the cross-border partnerships essential for dismantling organized crime syndicates.”
He reiterated that immigration enforcement is exclusively the mandate of two state entities: the South African Police Service and the newly established Border Management Authority. Civilian arrests or detentions related to immigration status, he stressed, constitute unlawful conduct.
“You cannot uphold the rule of law by violating it,” Cachalia remarked, adding that SAPS will pursue both undocumented migration and those who incite or commit violence under the guise of protest.
Accountability and Support Within the Police Service
Addressing internal reforms, Cachalia referenced the recent suspension of several senior SAPS officials, framing the moves as part of the broader Police Reset Agenda focused on consequence management and institutional integrity.
“These suspensions follow internal investigative processes,” he clarified. “The Acting National Commissioner and I are united in ensuring that accountability is not just proclaimed—but practiced.”
Simultaneously, the Minister extended strong support to the rank and file, commending the professionalism and sacrifice of the majority of officers who serve under challenging conditions. He paid solemn tribute to fallen members, specifically honoring Captain Louis Nel and Sergeant Mandla Khuzwayo of Crime Intelligence in KwaZulu-Natal. The two officers were ambushed by armed assailants while on duty in Verulam; Captain Nel died instantly, and Sergeant Khuzwayo passed away nearly a month later from his injuries.
“Attacks on those who protect us are attacks on our collective security,” Cachalia said. “We stand with our officers—and we demand justice when they are targeted.”
Budget as a Blueprint for Community Safety
On fiscal matters, Cachalia framed the SAPS allocation not merely as a financial figure, but as a commitment to everyday safety. The 2026/27 budget stands at R127.072 billion, with planned increases to R135.8 billion by 2028/29.
“This funding represents more than line items,” he stated. “It’s about whether a learner in Lusikisiki can travel to school without fear. Whether a woman in Thohoyandou can commute home safely. Whether entrepreneurs in eThekwini or Ekurhuleni can invest, innovate, and hire—trusting that the state will uphold order and protect livelihoods.”
As the lead agency within the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, SAPS carries a mandate that stretches from border posts to township streets. Cachalia concluded by urging a unified approach: robust, lawful enforcement paired with community trust, institutional accountability, and unwavering respect for human dignity.
“Security built on justice endures,” he said. “Security built on fear fractures. We choose the former—and we invite all South Africans to join us in that commitment.”
