South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned citizens against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, insisting that only the state has the authority to enforce the country’s immigration laws.
Addressing the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said no individual or group has the right to confront people in public spaces and demand proof of identity amid growing tensions over illegal immigration and recent anti-foreigner campaigns in South Africa.
His remarks come against the backdrop of renewed xenophobic incidents and protests targeting foreign nationals, raising concerns about public safety and social cohesion.
“The responsibility for enforcing immigration laws rests with the state, and the state alone,” the South African leader stated.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that many South Africans have genuine concerns about illegal immigration but stressed that such concerns must not be used to justify violence, intimidation, or unlawful actions against foreign nationals.
“I must make it clear that only authorised government officials may act against violations of the law, including violations of our immigration laws,” he said.
The president also warned against the spread of misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric, particularly on social media, saying some individuals and groups were exploiting immigration issues to advance political, personal, and criminal interests.
“We will not allow groups to use the legitimate concerns of South Africans to destabilise our country by inciting lawlessness and violence,” he stated.
He added that authorities would take action against anyone seeking to exploit public concerns over illegal immigration for ulterior motives.
Meanwhile, Ghana has reportedly evacuated about 1,500 of its citizens from South Africa after they voluntarily opted to return home following recent waves of xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests targeting foreign nationals.
The development has renewed calls for calm and the protection of migrants as South African authorities work to address concerns surrounding immigration while maintaining law and order.
