South Africa’s Push on Crime and Border Control
Why Immigration Is in the Spotlight
Recent protests and public debates have put illegal immigration back on the agenda. Many citizens are calling for tighter border checks and stronger enforcement of immigration laws. At the same time, the government stresses that any action must stay within the law and warns against vigilante attacks on foreign nationals.
What the Numbers Show
Arrests and Convictions of Foreign Nationals
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia responded to a written question from EFF MP Chumani Matiwane with a breakdown of crimes where foreigners were arrested or convicted over the last three financial years. The data reveal that immigration‑related offences consistently rank among the top categories.
- Contraventions of the Immigration Act
- Illegal entry or residence
- Permit violations
- Common crimes such as assault, DUI, driving without a licence, shoplifting, and liquor offences
Conviction records follow a similar pattern, with immigration offences appearing alongside shoplifting, counterfeit‑goods sales, drug crimes, liquor violations, and driving violations.
Current Figures on Foreign Nationals in Custody
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told Parliament that 26,306 foreign nationals who have also committed crimes are presently held in correctional facilities. She said this number “debunks the myth that law enforcement can’t arrest foreigners when they break the law.”
Recent Arrests of Undocumented Migrants
According to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS):
- 34,798 illegal immigrants have been arrested since January 2026.
- 76,588 were arrested during the previous financial year.
- More than 5,000 arrests occurred in just the last three weeks.
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, chairperson of NATJOINTS, emphasized that these figures prove the government is not ignoring illegal immigration. She added that coordinated operations involving police, Home Affairs, and the Border Management Authority continue to target undocumented migration through intelligence‑led enforcement.
Broader Crime Trends
While immigration enforcement gains attention, South Africa’s overall crime picture remains challenging. Police reported a 9.5 % drop in murders for the first quarter of 2026, totaling 5,181 cases. Despite this improvement, Acting Police Minister Cachalia warned that violence levels are still unacceptably high—about 58 people killed each day during the period.
He stressed that a decrease in crime does not automatically mean the country is safe, and that tackling violent crime, organized syndicates, and public‑safety threats remains a top priority.
Government’s Stance on Lawful Enforcement
Officials repeatedly remind the public that South Africa operates under the Constitution and the rule of law. No individual or group may enforce immigration laws outside established legal processes. Mosikili reiterated that intimidation, violence, ultimatums, or mob justice have no place in the country’s approach to security.
The message is clear: enforcement must be carried out by authorized agencies, respecting human rights and following due process.
Conclusion
South Africa is navigating a complex mix of immigration concerns and broader crime challenges. Recent data show that foreigners are being arrested for both immigration violations and everyday offences, and authorities say they are actively processing undocumented migrants through coordinated, lawful operations. At the same time, violent crime—though slightly down—remains a serious issue that demands sustained effort. Moving forward, balancing firm border control with respect for the rule of law will be key to building safer communities for everyone.
