Police warn: Only authorised agencies may enforce immigration laws as unrest hits Mossel Bay

Acting National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane and the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Natjoints) have issued a stern warning against lawlessness after unrest targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa.

Who said what

At a media briefing in George, Western Cape, Dimpane warned that only authorised agencies may enforce immigration laws and that “no grievance, frustration, or disagreement can ever justify violence, intimidation, destruction of property, or the taking of human life.”

Natjoints chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili reiterated that “no individual, movement, organisation or grouping has the authority to take the law into its own hands, conduct unlawful operations, intimidate communities, target individuals based on their nationality, or seek to enforce immigration laws outside the framework of the law.”

Violence in Mossel Bay

The warning followed violence in Mossel Bay’s KwaNonqaba area. According to IOL, unrest broke out on Friday, May 29, in the Asla Park informal settlement where around 55 shacks were set alight. Police, firefighters and disaster management teams responded and displaced people were reported.

IOL reports that the unrest turned deadly over the weekend with the killings of two Mozambican nationals and a 19-year-old South African, Nhlamulo Sambo. Police have stated that, based on current information, Sambo’s death is not linked to the recent unrest.

“On behalf of the South African Police Service, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.”

Arrests and operations

Mosikili said law enforcement actions have continued across the country. IOL reports that in the Free State 166 individuals have been arrested for offences linked to public violence and related criminal activities, and that in the Western Cape five suspects have been arrested in connection with incidents of violence and intimidation.

Regarding the murder of Sambo, IOL states that “a 23-year-old suspect was arrested” and remains in police custody.

Mosikili also provided national arrest figures for immigration-related offences cited by IOL: “in the past three weeks alone, more than 5 000 illegal immigrants have been arrested for contravening the Immigration Act,” “since 1st January 2026, law enforcement operations conducted across the country have resulted in the arrest of 34 798 illegal immigrants” and in the previous financial year 76 588 illegal immigrants were arrested.

Government response and investigations

Both Dimpane and Mosikili said operations have been intensified and that intelligence structures have stepped up monitoring in identified high-risk areas. Mosikili said Natjoints is “actively identifying, tracing and investigating individuals and networks responsible for incitement, criminal mobilisation and acts of violence” and that authorities have mobilised operational, intelligence and investigative resources “to ensure accountability.”

Mosikili warned: “We will not tolerate any attempt to destabilise communities, threaten national stability, disrupt economic activity or challenge the authority of the democratic State.”

Other developments

IOL reports that Ghana began a voluntary repatriation programme last month, with 295 nationals returning home amid concerns over safety and rising anti-immigration sentiment.

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Source: iol.co.za