Soweto:Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane has issued a stern warning to those involved in violent protests that led to the torching of vehicles in Soweto and Durban, emphasizing that such lawlessness will not be tolerated.
According to South African Government News Agency, the protests erupted outside Home Affairs offices assisting asylum seekers, resulting in the torching of 10 cars in Soweto, Gauteng, and 14 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The unrest is linked to claims regarding a recent Constitutional Court ruling on asylum applications, which some allege provides undocumented foreign nationals with a blanket amnesty.
Dimpane stated that three foreign nationals have been arrested, and shops belonging to foreign nationals have been looted amid the unrest. She emphasized that those responsible for the violence and destruction will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted if sufficient evidence is found. Dimpane also reminded the public that the right to protest does not justify criminal activity.
In response to the protests, the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration addressed confusion surrounding the Constitutional Court judgment on asylum applications. The IMC clarified that the ruling does not automatically grant refugee status or permanent residence to individuals entering South Africa. The Court had declared certain provisions of the Refugees Act unconstitutional, as they prevented some individuals from accessing the asylum system due to procedural issues.
The IMC explained that the judgment restores access to the asylum determination process but does not legalize unlawful migration or grant automatic rights to remain in the country. This clarification followed an urgent IMC meeting after the judgment led to increased numbers at Refugee Reception Offices, causing long queues outside Home Affairs facilities.