Johannesburg – Three women linked to Operation Dudula were released on warning after their arrest at Lillian Ngoyi Community Health Centre in Diepkloof, Soweto. They faced charges including public violence, trespassing, and violating the National Health Act, following reports that they demanded patients in the maternity ward produce identity documents.
The women, aged between 49 and 60, appeared briefly at Orlando Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Operation Dudula members protested outside the court, showing support for the women.
Operation Dudula President Zandile Dabula told supporters the case would return to court on 10 September. She described the arrests as an attempt to frustrate the group and accused the government and police of using apartheid-era tactics against them. Dabula said the organisation will persist with its ID checks, stating, “We have not broken any laws. We are enforcing laws the government is failing to enforce.”
Dabula also alleged that the Health Ministry instructed law enforcement to arrest Operation Dudula members during their activities. She planned to raise this issue in a meeting with the Health Minister.
The government, through the Government Communications Information Service (GCIS), condemned denial of healthcare to foreign nationals. A statement acknowledged pressures on public services but urged citizens to address concerns through lawful channels. It warned that taking the law into one’s own hands breaches the Constitution, which guarantees healthcare access regardless of nationality or immigration status.
GCIS said the government is working to improve health services by increasing healthcare workers and resources while managing migration issues lawfully.
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