MTHATHA, South Africa — In a growing wave of public discontent, protests against illegal immigration have reached a boiling point in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. With a 30 June deadline for undocumented migrants to leave the country looming, hundreds of locals have taken to the streets, demanding action from authorities.
The unrest follows the recent demolition of shipping containers that served as spaza shops, a move that has been met with anger and frustration. Locals are blaming foreigners for the crackdown, which they see as a blanket measure affecting all regardless of legal status. Phikolomzi Adonis, a member of the anti-immigration group Phakama, expressed the community’s exasperation. “.
The whole country is in a standstill because of the illegal immigration crisis, “Adonis. Despite submitting a petition to the municipality, Home Affairs, Labour, and the police on March 11, the group has yet to receive any feedback on their plan to address the issue.
The president has emphasized that citizens must not take the law into their own hands.
However, the lack of action from law enforcement has left many feeling powerless. “What must we do as citizens when the people who are not here legally are doing criminal activities in our communities? “Adonis questioned.
In response to the protests, Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia stated that the police are prepared to maintain order on the 30th. While acknowledging the severity of the illegal immigration issue, Cachalia cautioned against unruly behavior. “We cannot afford a repeat of what happened in July 2021, “he warned, emphasizing that the right to protest should not be exploited for criminal activities or abusive behavior.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Zandile.Khumalo
