The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on migration has warned that South African citizens do not have the authority to conduct identity checks or enforce immigration laws on foreign nationals, stressing that such actions are illegal and should not be tolerated.
The committee, made up of several Cabinet ministers, also reiterated that South Africans are not xenophobic and called for calm as government intensifies efforts to address concerns around illegal immigration.
From Monday, the IMC will begin a series of stakeholder engagements with civic organisations, Chapter Nine institutions and other groups to outline government's strategy for tackling illegal immigration while maintaining the rule of law.
Speaking on behalf of the committee, chairperson and Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi emphasised that immigration enforcement remains the sole responsibility of the state.
"As government, we have the sole responsibility of enforcing the law. We have observed, with concern, that some citizens are insisting on conducting identity checks and other immigration enforcement actions. This is illegal and should not be encouraged in our country," Kubayi said.
She added that only state authorities are mandated to enforce immigration laws and warned against any attempts by members of the public to take the law into their own hands.
Kubayi, however, encouraged citizens to remain vigilant and to report suspected criminal activity to the relevant law enforcement agencies.
The stakeholder consultations are expected to form part of government's broader efforts to strengthen immigration management while addressing public concerns and safeguarding social cohesion.