BULAWAYO, Jun 30 (NewsDay Live)-South African ruling party (ANC) secretary- general Fikile Mbalula has defended the enforcement of immigration laws while warning against vigilantism and mob action targeting undocumented migrants.
Mbalula late Monday said irregular immigration was a global challenge and not unique to South Africa, adding that instability in neighbouring countries had contributed to increased migration pressure at South Africa’s borders.
His remarks come as undocumented foreigners have been ordered to leave South Africa this Tuesday.
He acknowledged what he described as “legitimate cries” from South Africans over the social and economic impact associated with undocumented immigration but warned that citizens should not take the law into their own hands.
“We can’t have people in our country who are undocumented,” Mbalula said.
“However, we have always emphasised that vigilantism is a dangerous terrain, which creates anarchy and undermines the rule of law.”
Mbalula said enforcement of immigration laws remained the responsibility of the state and should not be outsourced to private groups or politically motivated actors seeking to exploit public frustrations.
His remarks come amid growing concern over xenophobic tensions and attacks against foreign nationals, particularly Zimbabweans, living in South Africa.
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Meanwhile, Minenhle Gumede, the Member of Parliament for Bulawayo North, has condemned the xenophobic attacks against Zimbabweans and other foreign nationals in South Africa.
In a statement, Gumede said violence, intimidation and hatred had no place in the region and warned that such acts threatened the historic ties between Zimbabweans and South Africans.
“Every person, regardless of their nationality, deserves to live in safety, dignity, and peace,” Gumede said.
She said the relationship between the people of Zimbabwe and South Africa was rooted in “solidarity, sacrifice, and mutual support” and urged communities not to allow violence to destroy that bond.
Gumede expressed solidarity with Zimbabweans affected by the attacks and called on authorities to act swiftly to protect lives and ensure perpetrators were brought to justice.
She also urged community leaders and citizens to promote peaceful coexistence guided by the values of Ubuntu, unity and human dignity.
The legislator advised Zimbabweans living in South Africa to remain vigilant, prioritise their safety and seek assistance from law enforcement agencies and Zimbabwean diplomatic missions where necessary.
The statements reflect growing regional concern over rising anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa as economic hardship, unemployment and pressure over public services continue to fuel tensions in some communities.
The Zimbabwean government on Monday said it had facilitated the repatriation of more than 3 600 of its nationals affected by recent unrest in South Africa.
