Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane and NATJOINTS leadership have issued a firm warning against unlawful conduct as protests targeting undocumented migrants escalate in several regions of South Africa. The statement follows deadly unrest in Mossel Bay over the weekend, which police described as vigilante attacks against foreign nationals amid heightened tensions over irregular immigration.
During a media briefing, police leadership clarified several points amid conflicting reports. While acknowledging the repatriation of approximately 500 Mozambican and Zimbabwean nationals with government assistance, officials stated they are currently investigating only two murder cases in the Mossel Bay area potentially linked to the unrest. This contrasts with communications from the Mozambican government indicating that five of its nationals were killed during the violence. Police emphasized that they remain the official custodians of verified incident data. The national health department confirmed that post-mortem examinations on three deaths have been concluded, with only two suspected to be connected to the protest-related violence.
Commissioner Dimpane and a senior police official stressed that while the constitutional right to protest is protected, this right carries the responsibility not to infringe upon the rights of others. “There is no justification for intimidation, violence, or the loss of life we have witnessed,” the leadership stated, urging communities to voice grievances through lawful channels.
Intelligence units have been deployed to monitor high-risk areas, analyze social media activity, and track potential hate speech or incitement to violence. Police are actively monitoring individuals, groups, and movements associated with the ongoing protests.
The Acting Commissioner expressed satisfaction with the police response to sporadic protests nationwide, noting that officers at station and provincial levels are receiving updated guidance from national leadership on addressing concerns from both South African citizens and foreign nationals lawfully in the country.
Regarding displaced persons, police clarified that close to 100 individuals are currently accommodated at a community hall in Mossel Bay. Officials noted that more than half of those sheltered do not possess the required documentation to remain in South Africa. A provincial commissioner acknowledged their humanitarian accommodation but reiterated that their presence contravenes the Immigration Act. The Department of Home Affairs is expected to intensify operations to address the status of undocumented foreign nationals in affected areas.
