Mob justice on the rise, SAPS slams illegal law enforcement
GEORGE — Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has issued a stern warning against vigilantism, following a series of violent incidents and anti-immigrant protests that have gripped parts of the country. Speaking at a media briefing in George on Wednesday, Dimpane emphasised that the authority to enforce immigration laws rests solely with the state.
The warning follows a period of significant unrest, most notably in Mossel Bay’s KwaNonqaba area. On May 29, violence in the Asla Park informal settlement resulted in approximately 55 shacks being destroyed by fire. The unrest further escalated over the weekend, leading to the deaths of two Mozambican nationals and a 19-year-old South African, Nhlamulo Sambo. While Sambo’s death was initially linked to the tensions, police have clarified that his murder occurred during an alleged attempted theft and is not directly connected to the anti-immigrant demonstrations.
Dimpane stated that no grievance or frustration can justify violence, intimidation, or the destruction of property. She confirmed that intelligence structures have increased monitoring in high-risk areas across the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng to prevent further loss of life.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, chairperson of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints), supported this stance, noting that South Africa is governed by the Constitution and not by mob justice. Mosikili revealed that law enforcement has been active in addressing illegal immigration through official channels. Since the start of January 2026, 34,798 illegal immigrants have been arrested across the country. In the last three weeks alone, more than 5,000 individuals were detained for contravening the Immigration Act.
The crackdown on lawlessness has already seen 166 arrests in the Free State and five in the Western Cape for offences related to public violence. A 23-year-old suspect has also been apprehended in connection with the murder of Sambo.
The rising tensions have already had international repercussions. Last month, Ghana initiated a voluntary repatriation programme, which saw 295 of its nationals leave South Africa due to safety concerns.
Authorities reiterated that while citizens have the right to raise concerns regarding crime and migration, these must be addressed through lawful means. Operation Shanela and other multidisciplinary interventions involving Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority remain the primary vehicles for managing migration issues.
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