ActionSA pushes for Metro Police task team to tackle illegal immigration in eThekwini

KwaZulu-Natal’s ActionSA has thrown its weight behind a push for a dedicated Metro Police task team to combat illegal immigration in eThekwini, highlighting rising concerns over safety, crime, and the occupation of hijacked buildings.

The call came from ActionSA councillor Zwakele Mncwango, who tabled the motion during a full council meeting this week. While the motion received broad support, councillors from the ANC and EFF pushed for amendments that they say will make the initiative more balanced and inclusive.

Tackling crime linked to illegal immigration

Mncwango’s motion outlined pressing challenges: illegal foreigners allegedly engaging in drug trafficking, hijacking buildings, and running illegal trading operations. He argued that these activities pose serious risks to residents and must be addressed by a focused law enforcement team.

The council agreed that the executive committee should investigate the feasibility of forming a special task team within the Metro Police to tackle these issues directly.

Amendments spark debate

The EFF and ANC both proposed changes to the original motion. The EFF amendment stressed that enforcement should target all individuals involved in criminal activity, not just foreign nationals, noting that local residents also participate in illegal operations.

Meanwhile, the ANC amendment focused on strengthening cooperation between the Metro Police, SAPS, and other law enforcement agencies, pointing out that existing units already conduct crime prevention and building inspections, making 20–40 arrests weekly. Both amendments were adopted, forming part of the motion moving forward.

ActionSA unhappy with changes

Mncwango expressed frustration that the amendments diluted the motion’s original intent.

“I’m not happy because it will not achieve what we were recommending as ActionSA,” he said. “The ANC’s amendments protect illegal foreigners. They emphasize existing teams and hijacked buildings but don’t focus on illegal foreigners themselves. The motion has been significantly watered down.”

Spotlight and political tension

The motion also stirred tension over its early public disclosure. IFP councillor Mdu Nkosi criticised Mncwango for posting the motion on social media before the council debate.

“People started commenting before the council even discussed it,” Nkosi said. “The IFP has already been addressing these challenges. This is an attempt by Mncwango to claim the spotlight rather than building on ongoing work by the premier and our party.”

Despite disagreements, the council’s decision to explore a dedicated task team reflects growing unease about illegal immigration and its impact on crime and municipal services in eThekwini. Residents and social media users have voiced mixed reactions, with some calling for decisive action to protect communities, while others warn against targeting foreigners unfairly.

For now, all eyes will be on the executive committee as it investigates the feasibility, scope, and structure of the proposed Metro Police task team, aiming to balance safety, legality, and fairness across the city.

{Source: IOL}

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