Anti-immigration demonstrations continue to intensify across South Africa, with police urging residents to follow lawful processes amid growing tensions in several communities.
The latest warning comes after unrest in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, where protesters linked to lobby group March and March allegedly forced their way into businesses owned by foreign nationals while demanding proof of legal residence.
According to police, no person or organisation has the authority to order individuals to leave South Africa. Authorities stressed that immigration enforcement falls under the country’s legal framework and must be managed through official law enforcement and immigration channels.
Eastern Cape Protesters Accused Of Conducting Illegal Immigration Checks
Police also appealed to the public to avoid sharing inflammatory content that could further divide communities and escalate tensions.
Footage captured by eNCA in Qonce on Wednesday showed a tense confrontation between protesters and a Nigerian businessman after he was asked to provide documentation.
Some protesters, reportedly carrying sjamboks, carried out unauthorised inspections without official warrants or documentation. Reports indicated that individuals were targeted based on their appearance to determine whether they were South African citizens.
Several foreign-owned businesses closed their doors during the demonstrations. Protesters further alleged that some shops were linked to drug dealing activities.
“You are from Nigeria,” one protest leader said to the visibly shaken man. “Do you have papers to be in South Africa?”
The businessman replied that he possessed an identity document, prompting further questioning from the group.
[Home Affairs Verifies Durban Foreign Nationals Ahead Of Planned Anti-Immigrant Shutdown]
“Sir, when did you get the ID?” one protester asked.
The businessman responded that he received it in 2005 from the Department of Home Affairs.
One protester then claimed that the Immigration Act (Act 13 of 2002) prevented foreign nationals from operating businesses without a minimum investment of R5-million, before demanding the closure of a car wash business.
“You are not allowed to operate an informal trading business such as a car wash. It belongs to South Africans. Close it down now,” he said, while others chanted “Abahambe” (“they must go”).
Court Ruling Reinforces State Authority Over Immigration Enforcement
Nothando Phuti from Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia echoed police concerns, saying members of the public cannot enforce immigration laws themselves.
Her comments follow a November 2025 ruling involving Operation Dudula, where the Johannesburg High Court found that private citizens do not have the right to demand immigration documents from other people.
The court ruled that determining immigration status and regulating movement within the country remains the sole responsibility of the state.
Prof Loren Landau, co-director of the Wits-Oxford Mobility Governance Lab, said frustration over socio-economic challenges was being directed at the wrong people.
“Most of the people under attack or being chased from their homes are ordinary people who have built businesses and are employing South Africans,” Landau said.
“If our issues are unemployment, housing, electricity, and crime, this is not who we should be targeting,” he added.
KwaZulu-Natal Police Monitor Growing Tensions Over Foreign Nationals
Meanwhile, police in KwaZulu-Natal said law enforcement agencies are prepared to act against anyone found breaking the law, regardless of nationality.
KwaZulu-Natal SAPS spokesperson Robert Netshiunda confirmed that operations targeting illegal immigrants would continue.
He added that authorities are closely monitoring tensions and misinformation linked to the so-called 30 June deadline demanding undocumented foreigners leave South Africa.
