KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi says police will engage with organisers of ongoing marches to ensure that the rights of all people are respected.
Warning Against Intimidation
Mkhwanazi cautioned that protesters cannot intimidate or target foreign nationals without knowing their legal status.
He stressed that marchers do not have the authority or expertise to determine whether someone’s documentation is valid or not.
Leave Enforcement to Police
He urged members of the public to report suspected undocumented individuals to the police, rather than taking matters into their own hands.
“If there is information, it must be reported so that law enforcement can act,” he indicated.
Risk of Targeting the Wrong People
Mkhwanazi also warned that such actions could lead to South African citizens being wrongly targeted, creating unnecessary tension and potential conflict.
Concerns Over Selective Targeting
He further noted that current protests appear to focus mainly on African foreign nationals, raising concerns about selective enforcement and fairness.
Police to Engage Organisers
Authorities are expected to meet with march leaders to reinforce legal boundaries and ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and within the law.
