People affiliated with the March And March movement during a clean-up campaign in the Durban CBD on Tuesday.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have issued a warning to protestors to remain within the bounds of the law, as marches calling for an end to illegal immigration continue across parts of the province.
In the past week, the March and March movement has been holding clean-up campaigns in the Durban CBD but has clashed with foreign nationals. It has been reported that members of the movements had been demanding identification documents from foreign nationals and proof they were in the country legally.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers had monitored several protests in Durban and surrounding areas, noting growing concerns over incidents of intimidation and alleged criminal activity captured in videos circulating on social media.
“While the right to protest is enshrined in the Constitution, it must not infringe on the rights of others,” said Netshiunda.
Police emphasised that civilians are not permitted to conduct searches or demand identification documents and immigration permits from others.
“Only law enforcement officers are authorised to stop, search, and request individuals to produce documentation permitting them to be in the country,” he said.
Authorities also raised concern about businesses being forced to shut down due to threats of violence. According to Netshiunda, several shops owned by both South Africans and foreign nationals have remained closed following intimidation linked to recent marches.
“Intimidation can constitute a criminal offence, and people must refrain from threatening others. Assaulting another person, whether a foreign national or not, is a criminal offence, and police will not stand by and watch when the law is being broken,” he said.
Public Order Police units have been deployed to monitor protest action and maintain stability, with SAPS confirming that engagements with march organisers are planned. The meetings aim to establish a “common understanding” and provide clarity on lawful protest conduct.
Netshiunda reiterated that while undocumented immigration is illegal, enforcement action remains the responsibility of authorised officials.
“Only mandated law enforcement officers can arrest undocumented foreign nationals and detain them pending deportation processes,” he said.
Residents have been urged to report criminal activity to police rather than taking matters into their own hands. Authorities warned that vigilantism could lead to legal consequences.
The warning comes amid heightened tensions in parts of KwaZulu-Natal, where anti-foreigner sentiment has increasingly surfaced through organised protest action.
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