JOHANNESBURG – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has strongly reiterated that no private individuals, community groups or vigilante formations are permitted to stop people in public spaces or enter private premises to demand identity documents from foreign nationals.
He stressed that immigration control and identity verification are strictly the responsibility of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), warning that any attempt to carry out such duties outside legal structures is unlawful.
The presidency said the clarification follows growing concerns over incidents in which self-appointed groups have reportedly attempted to question, intimidate or inspect foreign nationals in streets, workplaces and informal trading areas.
Authorities said such actions not only violate immigration law but also risk escalating tensions in communities already affected by periodic outbreaks of xenophobic violence.
Ramaphosa’s office emphasized that South Africa’s Constitution guarantees the protection of all individuals within its borders, regardless of nationality, and that law enforcement officials must always operate within due process when conducting immigration-related checks.
The government also warned that individuals or groups found engaging in unauthorized enforcement activities could face criminal charges, including intimidation and impersonation of law enforcement officers.
Officials said SAPS and the DHA remain the only legally mandated bodies to conduct inspections, verify documentation and take action against individuals found to be in violation of immigration laws.
South Africa has in recent years experienced recurring tensions linked to unemployment, migration and access to informal economic opportunities, issues that have at times fueled hostility toward foreign nationals.
The government has repeatedly called for calm and urged communities to report suspected immigration violations to authorities rather than taking matters into their own hands, saying such behavior undermines public order and the rule of law.
Authorities said efforts are ongoing to strengthen lawful immigration enforcement while promoting social cohesion and protecting human rights across the country.
