Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has argued that foreign nationals who commit crimes in South Africa should be dealt with in accordance with the law, while condemning vigilante actions that target people based on their nationality or immigration status.
Malema made the remarks during an interview with The Motherhood Network, published on 19 October 2026, where he discussed immigration, crime and access to public healthcare. (HYPE Magazine)
Addressing the treatment of foreign nationals, Malema said civilians had no right to assault or search other people, or to prevent pregnant women from accessing medical treatment.
“No civilian has a right to beat up or search other people. No civilian has the right to block a pregnant mother from getting medication irrespective of their nationality or legality.”
He stressed that an unborn child should not suffer because of its mother’s nationality or immigration status.
“The baby that the mother is carrying is innocent, it doesn’t know whether the mother crossed the border or not.”
Malema also argued that some foreign nationals travel to South Africa to access services, including healthcare, that may be unavailable or difficult to obtain in their home countries, before returning home.
He said the focus should be on ensuring that the law is applied to protect South African citizens, rather than allowing civilians to take enforcement into their own hands.
The comments come amid continuing tensions over immigration and access to public services, including healthcare. Anti-immigration groups have faced criticism for attempting to prevent foreign nationals from accessing clinics and other services. (AP News)
Malema’s position, as expressed in the interview, was that criminal conduct should be addressed through the law, while civilians should not use nationality or immigration status as justification for violence or denying people medical care.
