SA Raises Alarm Over US Deported Criminals Landing in Neighbouring Eswatini

SA raises alarm over US-deported criminals landing in neighbouring Eswatini

South Africa is on edge after learning that a group of convicted criminals, deported from the United States, has landed just across its border in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The news has raised questions about regional security, cross-border movement, and whether neighbouring countries are prepared to handle such arrivals.

A troubling arrival next door

The story emerged when Eswatini’s acting government spokesperson, Thabile Mdluli, confirmed that a group of foreign nationals — some described as dangerous criminals — had been flown in on a special charter arranged by US authorities. According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, these deportees are just the first wave, with more expected to follow.

While the US has stated the intention is to send each person back to their country of origin, South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is worried that not all nations will be willing or able to take them in. This could leave some stranded in Eswatini — or worse, moving freely across borders.

SA’s security fears

DIRCO has formally raised its concerns with Eswatini, noting the geographical closeness between the two countries and the very real possibility that these individuals could cross into South Africa.

“Whilst respecting the sovereign decision of the Government of Eswatini, the Government of the Republic of South Africa is deeply concerned about the profile of these individuals and the potential adverse impact on South Africa’s national security,” DIRCO’s statement read.

The department also acknowledged that Eswatini and the US plan to work with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to manage the deportees’ return. Still, Pretoria fears the risk to border security could grow if the situation is not tightly managed.

Border realities and public concern

South Africa’s borders with Eswatini are notoriously porous, with well-known informal crossing points used daily by commuters, traders, and undocumented migrants. Social media users have already voiced fears that if these deportees are not properly monitored, they could slip into South Africa unnoticed.

Some X (formerly Twitter) users questioned why the US chose Eswatini as a drop-off point, while others expressed frustration over what they see as yet another strain on South Africa’s already stretched immigration enforcement.

The unanswered questions

Neither the US Embassy in Pretoria nor Eswatini’s government has issued detailed explanations beyond initial confirmations of the deportations. It is also unclear whether additional flights are scheduled, or how officials plan to ensure these individuals do not end up stuck in limbo or moving illegally across the region.

For now, South Africa is watching developments closely — but the sense of unease lingers. As one Johannesburg resident put it online: “We have enough problems of our own. Why are dangerous criminals being dropped right on our doorstep?”

Source: The South African

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