By Charmaine Ndlela
National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) chairperson Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili says government remains firmly in control of the country’s security environment and will not tolerate vigilantism, xenophobic attacks or attempts to undermine the rule of law amid rising tensions over illegal immigration.
Speaking at a media briefing in George, Western Cape, on Wednesday, Mosikili outlined government’s response to recent incidents of public violence, attacks on foreign nationals and growing concerns over undocumented migration.
The briefing comes as anti-immigration demonstrations continue in parts of the country, with authorities also monitoring calls for further protests later this month.
Mosikili said law enforcement agencies have intensified operations targeting criminality, public violence and undocumented migration, resulting in thousands of arrests nationwide.
According to the security cluster, more than 5,000 undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested for contravening the Immigration Act in the past three weeks alone.
Since 1 January 2026, nationwide operations have led to the arrest of 34,798 undocumented migrants, while 76,588 were arrested during the previous financial year.
“These figures demonstrate that government is not turning a blind eye to illegal immigration,” Mosikili said.
Authorities also reported progress in dealing with violence linked to recent unrest.
In the Free State, 166 people have been arrested for public violence and related offences, while five suspects were arrested in the Western Cape in connection with incidents of violence and intimidation.
Police also confirmed the arrest of a suspect in the murder of 19-year-old Nhlamulo Sambo. A 23-year-old suspect was arrested on Monday and remains in custody.
The arrest follows claims on social media linking Sambo’s death to anti-foreigner unrest in Mossel Bay.
However, Mosikili said investigators have found no evidence supporting those claims.
“We wish to clarify that based on the information currently at our disposal, the death of Mr Sambo is not linked to the recent unrest in the area.”
She urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow investigators to complete their work.
Mosikili said the arrest demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to ensuring perpetrators of violent crime are brought before the courts.
Government also condemned recent violence in Mossel Bay, which left two people dead during incidents linked to anti-foreigner demonstrations.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by these events,” she said.
“There is no grievance, concern, frustration or cause that can justify murder, assault, intimidation, arson, looting, xenophobic attacks or any other form of criminal conduct.”
Mosikili stressed that while South Africans have the right to raise concerns about crime, illegal immigration and service delivery, such concerns cannot be used as justification for lawlessness.
“Violence is not activism. Intimidation is not community protection. Criminal conduct remains criminal conduct regardless of the cause in whose name it is committed.”
She reiterated that South Africa remains a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law, warning that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of authorised law enforcement agencies, not members of the public.
Government said foreign nationals who enter, remain or work in the country unlawfully expose themselves to arrest, detention and deportation under the Immigration Act.
Through ongoing multidisciplinary operations involving the South African Police Service, Department of Home Affairs, Border Management Authority and other agencies, thousands of undocumented migrants continue to be identified, arrested and processed.
Mosikili warned that authorities are actively monitoring individuals and groups suspected of inciting violence, spreading misinformation and encouraging attacks on foreign nationals and businesses.
“NATJOINTS is actively identifying, tracing and investigating individuals and networks responsible for incitement, criminal mobilisation and acts of violence.”
She said intelligence structures have intensified monitoring and threat assessments in identified hotspot areas, adding that those using social media to incite violence should expect law enforcement action where evidence exists.
To prevent further unrest, NATJOINTS has activated a coordinated operational plan involving SAPS, the State Security Agency, metro police, traffic law enforcement, Home Affairs, Correctional Services, the South African National Defence Force and other stakeholders.
The plan includes increased police visibility, intelligence-led operations, targeted interventions, community engagement and protection of critical infrastructure and vulnerable communities.
Additional Public Order Policing units have been deployed in strategic areas and remain on standby to respond to threats to public safety.
Mosikili urged communities to reject vigilantism, xenophobia and violence and instead report criminal activity through lawful channels.
“The fight against crime and illegal immigration cannot be won through violence. It can only be won through lawful, intelligence-led and coordinated law enforcement operations,” she said.
She said law enforcement agencies remain on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any acts of violence, intimidation or attempts to disrupt public order.
“Government will continue to enforce the law, protect all communities, safeguard constitutional democracy and preserve peace and stability throughout the Republic,” said Mosikili.
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