MBABANE – More than 200 foreign nationals have sought refuge at the Diakonia Refugee Centre in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, amid growing fears of violence and intimidation allegedly linked to anti-illegal immigrant groups operating in different parts of South Africa.
South Africa’s National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) announced on Thursday that it had launched a targeted verification process involving all foreign nationals currently gathered at the centre. The operation is being conducted by an integrated team comprising officials from the Department of Home Affairs, Social Development, Transport and provincial law enforcement agencies.
According to NATJOINTS, the intervention follows discussions between government representatives and the Southern African Refugee Forum, which is representing the displaced foreign nationals who have been sheltering at the centre for the past two days.
Authorities said the operation seeks to determine the legal status of each individual currently occupying the facility while simultaneously addressing safety concerns that prompted them to seek refuge.
The foreign nationals reportedly fled their communities after receiving threats and facing intimidation allegedly orchestrated by anti-illegal immigrant groups. Some also reported incidents of assault, damage to property and forced closure of businesses.
Provincial South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the operation was aimed at addressing all concerns surrounding what authorities described as the “illegal occupation” of the centre.
“This process will be conducted with the integrated team of NATJOINTS to ensure that we attend to all the issues associated with this illegal occupation of the centre,” said Netshiunda.
He added that foreign nationals found to be residing illegally in South Africa would immediately be subjected to immigration processes, including deportation to their respective countries of origin.
NATJOINTS stressed that the verification exercise should not be interpreted as an attempt to regularise the stay of undocumented migrants in the country.
“The process is not meant to legitimise the illegal stay of undocumented foreign nationals in the country, but to ensure that those who are here legally are duly protected and the undocumented ones are subjected to immigration law processes accordingly,” the structure stated.
Meanwhile, SAPS in eThekwini has opened investigations into several criminal allegations connected to the unrest. These include assault, intimidation, malicious damage to property and incidents involving the forced shutdown of businesses operated by foreign nationals.
Acting KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner Major General Phumelela Makoba said all reported cases would be thoroughly investigated.
Authorities have also attempted to reassure the public that the situation remains under control and that government structures are actively working to restore calm.
The developments come amid heightened national debate in South Africa over illegal immigration, border security and the socio-economic pressures associated with undocumented migration. Government has maintained that while it remains committed to upholding constitutional and human rights obligations, it will continue intensifying enforcement against illegal immigration.
NATJOINTS reiterated that violence and vigilantism directed at foreign nationals would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
“Violence and acts of intimidation and threats against foreign nationals are unacceptable and do not reflect the values of South Africans or government policy,” the statement read.
“Criminal acts disguised as activism will not be tolerated in our society and lawlessness will face consequences.”
The latest developments have unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing nationwide law enforcement operations under Operation Shanela and other crime-prevention initiatives targeting undocumented migrants and related criminal activities.
Police statistics released by NATJOINTS indicate that since January 1 this year, SAPS has arrested 29 731 illegal foreign nationals during high-density operations conducted across South Africa.
In the previous financial year, authorities arrested a total of 76 588 undocumented foreign nationals, while the Department of Home Affairs deported 59 814 individuals during the same period.
Government said the operations were intelligence-driven and conducted jointly with Home Affairs and other law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with immigration laws.
NATJOINTS further emphasised that South Africa was pursuing a “rules-based approach” to immigration management grounded in constitutional principles and the rule of law.
According to the statement, government is also modernising the country’s immigration system to improve efficiency, governance and border security while balancing national security interests with humanitarian obligations.
The Diakonia Refugee Centre situation has once again highlighted the vulnerability of foreign nationals living in South Africa, many of whom have periodically faced xenophobic violence, intimidation and hostility during periods of economic strain and social unrest.
Although government has condemned attacks against migrants, civil society organisations and refugee advocacy groups have repeatedly raised concerns about recurring tensions in communities where undocumented migration is perceived as contributing to crime, unemployment and pressure on public resources.
For now, authorities say the immediate focus remains on stabilising the situation at the refugee centre, verifying the legal status of those seeking shelter and ensuring that all reported criminal acts are properly investigated.
NATJOINTS said it remained committed to maintaining law and order, protecting the country’s borders and ensuring that everyone residing in South Africa complies with immigration laws.
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