Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia’s recent remarks on illegal immigration and border control have reignited debate around law enforcement, border security, and rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests across South Africa.
Cachalia warned that violent protests targeting foreign nationals undermine investor confidence, economic growth, and social stability. He also stressed that only the South African Police Service and the Border Management Authority are legally authorised to arrest individuals for immigration-related offences.
Specialist investigator and crime expert Mike Bolhuis believes South Africa’s border control systems are failing to effectively manage migration.
“I don’t like to use the words ‘nothing’ or ‘everything’ lightly, but I would say the system is non-existent or not up to scratch. It’s definitely not working,” Bolhuis said.
He argued that South Africa continues to experience a large influx of people from neighbouring countries, driven largely by economic hardship and the search for better opportunities.
“All are human, and a human being’s number one drive is survival,” he explained. “People will go where there is infrastructure and an opportunity to earn an income to support themselves and their families.”
Bolhuis said the country’s weak economy and high unemployment levels have contributed to growing frustration among South Africans, with some communities believing foreign nationals are competing for limited resources and job opportunities.
He warned that unless government improves border management and addresses broader socio-economic challenges, tensions are likely to escalate further.
“The extreme job shortages have caused people to act against foreign nationals because they feel there is less available for themselves,” he said.
Bolhuis added that xenophobic sentiment remains a serious concern in South Africa and warned that the situation could deteriorate if underlying issues are not urgently addressed.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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