rki.news
South Africa’s Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has appealed for calm and respect for the rule of law ahead of planned nationwide protests against undocumented foreign nationals.
Tensions have risen as anti-immigrant groups have set an unofficial June 30 deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country voluntarily, with some demonstrations turning violent in informal settlements. Reports indicate that door-to-door raids in some communities have targeted foreign nationals regardless of immigration status, heightening concerns over public safety.
Winde said anyone acting outside the law must be arrested and prosecuted, stressing that constitutional rights to protest must remain peaceful. He said the Western Cape Government respects the right to protest but rejects all forms of violence under any circumstances.
The provincial government has strengthened inter-agency coordination and activated contingency plans to prevent further unrest and protect communities.
Winde also urged undocumented foreign nationals to regularise their immigration status and comply with national laws.
Thousands of migrants from Malawi, Mozambique, Ghana and Zimbabwe have left their homes seeking safety or government-assisted repatriation.
Most recently, Ugandan authorities announced plans to repatriate citizens after hundreds expressed a desire to return due to safety concerns, while Zimbabwean nationals in Cape Town were moved to a Home Affairs processing centre.
Authorities continue monitoring the situation across affected regions. Officials have urged calm as tensions remain high nationwide.