Gen. Mkhwanazi Confirmed Home Affairs Is Currently Under Investigation After Massive Protest

KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has confirmed that police are investigating senior Home Affairs officials accused of allegedly facilitating the irregular entry of foreign nationals into South Africa. The investigation comes amid escalating anti-immigration protests that have resulted in violence, looting and the destruction of property in Durban and Soweto.

Mkhwanazi made the announcement in Durban on Friday, following unrest that left several vehicles torched and businesses vandalised. According to reports, Thursday’s violence saw 14 vehicles set alight in Durban’s central business district, while another 10 vehicles were burned in Soweto. Foreign-owned businesses along Khumalo Street were also targeted during the disturbances.

Police reportedly fired rubber bullets to disperse protesting crowds, while soldiers were deployed to Orlando West in an effort to restore order and prevent further violence.

The clashes in Durban allegedly followed an assault on a protester by foreign nationals. Three foreign nationals were arrested in connection with the incident, while police continued investigating cases of public violence and arson.

The unrest has been fuelled by controversy surrounding a Constitutional Court judgment allowing certain individuals who entered South Africa irregularly or missed asylum application deadlines to apply for asylum.

On 28 September, the Department of Home Affairs issued a directive instructing refugee reception offices to accept applications in accordance with the court ruling. However, the department withdrew the directive on Friday after offices became overwhelmed and security concerns emerged.

Home Affairs has indicated that it will develop a revised approach to implement the judgment, which remains legally binding.

Mkhwanazi has previously cautioned communities against taking immigration enforcement into their own hands, stressing that police are responsible for checking documentation and arresting individuals found to be in the country unlawfully.

The investigation into senior Home Affairs officials could intensify scrutiny of the department’s immigration procedures. However, the allegations remain unproven, and the outcome of the investigation is still uncertain.

Authorities now face the challenge of restoring calm, investigating alleged misconduct and holding those responsible for violence accountable while preventing further destruction of property.

https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2108598613236388055