The GOVERNMENT of this country has warned that action will be taken against those who raid homes and residences suspected of harboring illegal immigrants.
The ministerial committee established to deal with the issue of illegal immigrants said that the people of this country do not have the right to go and enter people’s homes to see if there are any undocumented immigrants hiding.
She said this while speaking to the media in Pretoria, yesterday.
The chairperson of the committee, Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi, said that they have noticed an increase in incidents where people enter people’s homes suspected of harboring immigrants.
“What they are doing is illegal. No one has the right to go and see if people are in this country legally. This is the job of the government agencies. We urge people to stop doing the work that should be done by the government agencies. All those who violate the law will be prosecuted.”
Ms. Kubayi urged the protesting people to protest peacefully.
“People have the right to protest, but that right does not mean that they have to break the law, be violent or discriminate against other people. Actions will be taken against those who violate the law.”
Ms. Kubayi said that there are more than 200 cases of inciting violence and destroying property that have been opened since the protests against illegal immigrants started.
Ms. Kubayi said government agencies are determined to fight crime.
“We urge people to report criminal acts. Various government agencies will continue to ensure that the law is respected in this country.”
Ms. Kubayi said that there are thousands of immigrants who have been sent back to their countries since the protests started against illegal immigrants.
He said that most of the people who have been repatriated are from Malawi, followed by Zimbabweans and Mozambicans.
“53,439 people have been returned to their countries. 80% of the people returned to their countries are in Malawi.”
Ms. Kubayi pointed out that the number of people returned to countries outside of South Africa, including Nigeria, is low.
“2,650 Kenyans returned to their homeland, 1,159 Nigerians.”
Mrs. Kubayi said that what she noticed is that the number of people who want to be returned to their countries is decreasing, she said that two weeks ago there were close to 5,000 people who wanted to be returned to their countries, she said that last year more than 1,000 people were arriving a day.
Ms. Kubayi said that two weeks ago, there were close to 5,000 people who wanted to be sent back to their countries, and she said that last year, more than 1,000 people arrived a day.