President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that the government will not tolerate attacks on foreign nationals, saying those involved in illegal activities will face arrest as authorities work to restore stability in KwaZulu-Natal.
Speaking during the ANC’s door-to-door campaign in the province, Ramaphosa said he had received reports from Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, who leads the inter-ministerial committee, and senior officials from the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJoints) regarding efforts to maintain stability in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.
His remarks come amid tensions and violent incidents in Durban linked to anti-immigration protests, including the looting of foreign-owned shops and the reported killing of a foreign national.
Army deployed to support police
Ramaphosa said the deployment of members of the South African National Defence Force was intended to support police in maintaining law and order.
The President has authorised the deployment of 510 SANDF members to KwaZulu-Natal under Operation Prosper until 30 November 2026. The deployment is expected to cost approximately R34 million. (The Presidency SA)
“One of the reasons why we brought the army here is to come and support the police, particularly as we have to deal with instilling stability here,” Ramaphosa said.
The deployment follows unrest linked to misinformation surrounding a Constitutional Court judgment concerning the Refugees Act. The government has said the ruling does not automatically grant refugee status or permanent residence to undocumented foreign nationals.
Ramaphosa warns against taking the law into one’s own hands
The President said the government was responsible for addressing illegal immigration and warned members of the public against attempting to take over the duties of law enforcement agencies.
“We as government have said we are the only authority that has the power, the ability to deal with illegal immigration and no one else in our country should be taking over the jobs of the police or state authority,” he said.
Ramaphosa stressed that both South Africans and foreign nationals have rights, adding that people involved in unlawful activities would face arrest.
He also called on residents to allow police and other state authorities to enforce the law rather than resorting to vigilantism.
The government’s response comes as authorities work to prevent further violence and maintain public order amid heightened tensions over immigration in KwaZulu-Natal.
