The SAHRC calls for an end to violence against foreign nationals in KwaZulu-Natal, urging peaceful resolutions.
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The South African Human Rights Commission has called for calm and an immediate end to violence targeting foreign nationals, warning that the attacks threaten South Africa’s constitutional values and social cohesion.
The Commission said it was “deeply alarmed” by reports and videos circulating on social media showing violent attacks that appear to target non-nationals, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
“These incidents threaten South Africa’s constitutional values of ubuntu, dignity, equality, and the rule of law, as well as social cohesion,” the Commission said.
The SAHRC stressed that while communities have the right to raise grievances and protest, such actions must remain peaceful and lawful.
“Violence, intimidation, hate speech, looting, and property destruction are unacceptable and constitute serious human-rights violations and criminal conduct,” the statement read.
The Commission called on the government and law enforcement authorities to intervene urgently to prevent the situation from escalating further.
“The Commission is calling on relevant departments and the Minister of Police to intervene swiftly to address the violence affecting KwaZulu-Natal and to take preventive measures in other provinces,” it said.
The watchdog also warned against vigilantism, saying allegations of criminal activity involving some non-nationals should be handled through the criminal justice system and not through mob violence.
“Those with knowledge of any criminal act, whether committed by a South African or a non-national, should report it to the South African Police Service for investigation,” the SAHRC said.
“Taking the law into one’s own hands (vigilantism) may lead to attacks on people, exacerbate disharmony, and defeat the ends of justice.”
The Commission further urged community leaders, civil society organisations and residents to reject violence and instead promote tolerance, dialogue and adherence to the law.
It acknowledged ongoing public concerns around illegal migration, porous borders, unemployment, human trafficking and other crimes, but said these issues should be addressed through lawful channels and government intervention.
“Anyone alleged to have committed a crime, irrespective of nationality, should be subject to the rule of law, with arrest and trial in a court of law,” the Commission said.
The SAHRC added that South Africa’s democracy depends on protecting the rights of everyone living in the country, regardless of nationality, and said it would continue monitoring developments and engaging stakeholders to promote accountability and human rights protections.
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