“I Don’t Care About Any Foreigner Who Commits Crime” — Malema Hits Out Over His Foreigners Position

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has continued to defend his position on foreign nationals, insisting that criminality should be addressed through the law rather than used as a justification for hostility towards people from other countries.

Malema’s statement, “I don’t care about a foreigner who commits crime,” comes amid intensifying public debates over immigration, undocumented migrants, crime and the treatment of foreign nationals in South Africa.

The EFF leader has consistently opposed anti-immigrant campaigns that blame foreigners for the country’s socioeconomic challenges, arguing that criminal behaviour should be dealt with through established legal processes, regardless of an individual’s nationality.

His position has attracted attention as South Africa prepares for the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, with immigration and public safety remaining contentious issues in political discussions.

Malema has repeatedly argued that foreign nationals should not automatically be blamed for unemployment, inequality and the country’s struggling public services. Instead, he has called for African solidarity and policies that address the underlying causes of poverty and economic exclusion.

In previous remarks, the EFF leader has also advocated for documenting undocumented migrants, arguing that proper identification would help authorities trace individuals suspected of committing crimes and ensure they are held accountable.

The debate has become increasingly heated as some South Africans demand stricter immigration enforcement and the removal of undocumented foreign nationals, while others warn that such campaigns risk encouraging xenophobia and unlawful attacks.

Malema has condemned violence against immigrants, maintaining that people should not be assaulted, threatened or denied access to essential services because of their nationality.

His remarks are likely to reignite discussions about the distinction between enforcing immigration laws, combating crime and protecting the rights of foreign nationals living in South Africa.

The central question remains how the country can strengthen border management, address criminality and respond to public concerns without allowing nationality to become a justification for discrimination or vigilantism.

As political parties intensify their campaigns ahead of the local government elections, Malema’s position is expected to remain part of the broader national conversation about immigration, accountability and South Africa’s relationship with the rest of the African continent.

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